EXTRA INNING

Pampanga tests Bataan; GenSan, Pasig favored

The Pampanga Giant Lanterns test the mettle of the resurgent Bataan Risers today as the chase for playoff spots in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Lakan Season heats up at Marist School Gym in Marikina.

The General Santos Warriors and the Pasig Sta. Lucia Realtors also try to rev up their own playoffs drive when they tangle with Bacolod Master’s Sardines and Marikina Shoemasters.

Though the Giant Lanterns own a better 13-7 record following a three-win run, they are expected to meet stiff resistance in the 4:15 encounter as the Risers ride the momentum of five straight victories that raised their slate to 12-8 in the North division.

South eyes payback in ‘Duel’

Humbled the last time out, Team South seeks not just redemption but domination of a side that is likewise keen on bucking the odds and proving its worth again in The Duel – North vs South which gets going tomorrow at the posh Sta. Elena Golf Club in Laguna.

That should guarantee a spirited battle right in the first pairing of the opening foursomes where the Southerners vow to reassert their might and impose their will early for the momentum needed in such kind of a duel that puts premium both on team play and on individual skills.

Blessed with a roster bannered by some of the country’s top guns, South coach Charles Hong believes they have the edge not just in cohesion but also in personnel which he hopes to use to the hilt to fuel another successful title drive in the country’s version of the Ryder Cup put up by ICTSI.

South boasts of three players who won four of the nine titles disputed in this year’s Philippine Golf Tour, led by multi-titled Tony Lascuña, who closed out the milestone 10th season of the

circuit with back-to-back victories at Apo and South Pacific.

Reymon Jaraula also scored a breakthrough at Pueblo de Oro while Jhonnel Ababa dominated the field at Del Monte.

UST rules Milcu U17

University of Santo Tomas came back from 11 points down to beat Trinity University of Asia, 64-61, to rule the 17-under division of the Milcu Got Skills Elite Showcase at the Trinity Gym in Quezon City.

Nataniel Fuentes produced 20 points, 19 rebounds, three assists and three steals to lead the Tiger Cubs to the championship of the interschool tournament sponsored by Milcu.

Emmanuel Anabo had 14 points and 10 rebounds while Jake Corpuz added 10 for UST, which won despite trailing 33-22 early in the third quarter.

Gian Lim scored 15 points and Bernard de Guia added 12 points, six rebounds and four assists for Trinity in a losing effort.