MP Warriors finally nail first victory in MVBA

THE MP Warriors of Gen. Santos City bucked the forceful end-game rally of the Arthro Kontra Arthritis-Cebu to log their first win, 74-67, in the 2007 MVBA Second Conference at the Cebu Coliseum last night.

Two crucial triples from streak shooter Balong Ramos and four pressure-packed free throws from Jomir Rubi took away the fight from the Cebuanos who were trailing the entire game.

It was the first win for the Warriors who suffered end-game jitters to lose to the Mandaue Landmasters last Sunday.

In their second game, the MLKP Jewelers gave them a rude welcome with another rout last Tuesday.

Rolly Menor again displayed an MVP-like performance as he towed the Warriors to an early 16-10 lead.

Arthro tried to make a huge comeback but the Warriors had answers to every basket Kontra Arthritis made.

The MP Warriors started to pull away in the third quarter as Menor devoured the defenses thrown at him. The Warriors also displayed tough defense at the other end to erect a 60-48 lead entering the final period.

The Kontra Arthritis squad began to make their moves early in the fourth, allowing only one field goal for the Warriors in the first 5:35 to move within 58-62.

Ramos then sank two straight triples, including a buzzer-beater, to give the Warriors a 70-59 lead with 2:39 to go.

However, the MP Warriors’ next possession went dud after Alex Cainglet employed a leech-like defense on Ramos and the Arthro frontliners shut down the lane to move within four, 66-70, with 39.3 left.

But the determined Warriors were not to be denied as they battled the board hard, resulting to Rubi’s free throws at with less than 15 seconds left.

Locked down and racing against time, Arthro tried for a desperate equalizer but it never came and Rubi sealed the game with two more free throws at the final 7.5 seconds.

Menor topped all scorers with 21 points to lead the Warriors to their first win in three games, while Cainglet scored 19 points for the losing Arthro.

Meanwhile, the Cebu Landmasters-Mandaue City and M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City will face each other at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.

MP Warriors (74) – Menor 21, Ramos 10, Daja 9, Locsin 8, Rubi 6, Farochillen 5, Medalla 3, Callo 3, Coronado 3, Tadena 2.
Arthro (67) – Cainglet 19, Ursal 11, Ababon 10, France 9, Justiniani 7, Mercado 3, Bucao 3, Garcia 2, Omandam 2, Almacin 1. (RCM)