CEBU CITY — The Misamis Oriental Meteors survived the challenge of the debuting Zamboanga Amores, 79-77, to score their second straight victory in the ML Kwarta Padala Liga Pilipinas Preseason Tournament last Sunday at the New Cebu Coliseum.

The Meteors of Gov. Oscar Moreno and coach Jun Noel were well in control for majority of the game until veteran Ronald Saracho single-handedly carried the Amores back into contention by unloading 12 markers in the fourth quarter.

The Amores flubbed a chance to tie the game when Peter Naron split his free throws with nine seconds left, 77-78.

Naron then fouled Ronnie Zagala who made his first but missed his second free throw to pad the Meteors’ edge, 79-77.

Edter Chua grabbed the defensive rebound and fired an outlet pass to a streaking Junnie Navarro, who was then stopped by a wall of Meteor defenders at the buzzer.

Donald Tadena and Jerome Paterno led the Meteors with 15 and 14 points respectively.

Saracho, a one-time CAAA MVP with Southwestern University, finished with a game-best 24 followed by center Mark Kong with 10.

In the first game, Pagadian Explorers of Mayor Sammy Co and coach Eric Samson eliminated the Iloilo Warriors of coach Jerry Jaranilla from contention, 91-88.

Selected games from the tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) will be shown over the National Broadcasting Network (NBN-4) and local channel Cebu Catholic Television Network (CCTN-47).

The scores:

First Game

PAGADIAN 91 — Villaver 28, Yee 17, Daja 14, Saludsod 13, Sinco 8, Labagala 4, Sinegdas 4, Marata 2, Cortez 1, Omandam 0.

ILOILO 88 — Senierez 28, Leonida 15, Pelopero 12, Dosado 10, Guanco 8, Balgos 5, Laborte 4, Sina-on 4, Sencil 2, Bautista 0, Garrido 0.

Quarters: 20-14, 4336, 67-63, 91-88.

Second Game

MISAMIS ORIENTAL 79 — Tadena 15, Paterno 14, Concha 13, Farochillen 10, Caputolan 6, Zagala 5, Apepe 4, Micutuan 4, Numeran 4, Nailon 2, Faundo 2.

ZAMBOANGA 77 — Saracho 24, Kong 10, Navarro 9, Parreno 8, Naron 6, Alvarez 5, France 5, Concepcion 4, Chua 3, Caindoy 3, Climaco 0.

Quarters: 22-18, 4434, 59-54, 79-77.

Source : Manila Bulletin