MVBA: MisOr takes top spot in Mindanao division

Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr is now on top of the Mindanao Division of the 2007 Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Second Conference after besting the MP Warriors-GenSan, 81-74, Tuesday night at the packed Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro City. The Boy Abad-mentored Holcim Pryce leaned on a strong second half to overturn an 11-point deficit, 33-44, crushing the hopes of the Manny Pacquiao-owned Warriors, according to an MVBA statement issued on Wednesday. MisOr banked on an 11-2 run to begin the fourth period, highlighted by the go-ahead basket by Frank Nailon and followed by a 5-point cluster by Anton Villoria that resulted in a 66-59 advantage. The Warriors countered with an 8-2 binge of their own to threaten Holcim Pryce for the last time at 67-68. MisOr's Villoria quickly played fireman with a triple at the 2:30 mark, followed by two more triples by Mark Moreno for a safer 77-69 lead with 1:19 left to play. The duo was not yet done. Villoria scored one more field goal and Moreno a pair of free throws to secure the win, 81-72. Former MVP Louie Medalla settled the final count with his only 2 points in the game. Early foul trouble slowed down the action, transforming the third quarter into a virtual free throw shooting contest. A late burst by Lowell Briones and Ramil Tagupa gave Holcim Pryce valuable momentum as the game entered the final quarter despite still trailing, 55-57. It was a sorry loss for the Warriors and coach Ramon Pido, having dominated the first half behind the good plays of Joel Lagare, Roderick Ramos, Erian Daja, Jeffy Locsin, and Donald Tadena. Holcim Pryce thus evened their win-loss card to 2-2, to overtake the Warriors, who fell to 2-4 for the top spot in the Mindanao Division of the league. Villoria led Holcim Pryce with 22 points while Moreno added 11. Daja paced the Warriors with 15 followed by Tadena with 11. On Thursday, the Duterte Agilas-Davao continue their tour of the Visayas when they play league leader Cebu Landmaster-Mandaue (5-1) at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Center starting at 5:30 p.m. Landmaster blasted the Agilas, 87-60, last October 5 at the Almendras Gym. In late action on Monday night at the New Cebu Coliseum, M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala- Cebu City repeated over Arthro Kontra Arthritis, 87-82, for its fifth win in seven games. Woodrow Enriquez and Ronald Capati led M. Lhuillier with 17 points each followed by Jayford Rodriguez with 14 and Lou Gatumbato and Marlon Basco both with 13. Doroteo Almacin and Mark Ababon had 28 and 20 points respectively but lacked support from their mates. Scores Holcim/Pryce-MisOr (81): Villoria 22, Moreno±o 11, Concha 10, Briones 9, Nailon 7, Tagupa 6, Jabagat 6, Cruz 6, Abadia 4, Apepe 0, Demape 0, Sanchez 0, Sevilla 0 MP Warriors-GenSan (74): Daja 15, Tadena 11, Callo 10, Ramos 9, Menor 8, Lagare 7, Locsin 5, Farochillen 4, Rubi 3, Medalla 2, Cabanlit 0, Recustodio 0 Quarters: 12-25, 33-44, 55-57, 81-74

- GMANews.TV