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The Trace-Laguna Stallions escaped with a 63-61 win over erstwhile fellow undefeated team M. Lhuillier-Cebu Ninos in Day Two of the Ilocos Sur Leg of the 2009 Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference II at the Santo Domingo People?s Center.
Trailing by 10, 50-60, with four minutes left Bruce Dacia, strung up nine unanswered points to allow the Ninos of Michel Lhuillier and Coach Yayoy Alcoseba to threaten, 59-60.
Mark Ababon then bungled a chance to grab the lead as he drove hard against the outstretched arms of Samuel Ekwe, with the ball landing into the hands of Axel Doruelo, who was quickly fouled by Ariel Mepana with seven seconds to play.
Doruelo made both free throws, 62-59. In the ensuing play, Ababon surprised everyone by slashing to the basket for an uncontested lay-up, leaving less than a second on the clock.
Doruelo was fouled at the buzzer, adding one more free throw for the final count.
The Stallions of Erwin Genuino and Coach Nomar Isla kept their immaculate slate intact at 2-0 (win-loss).
Angeles led the Stallions with 18 points and six assists followed by Mangahas with 10.
Ekwe was held to only a basket but grabbed 14 rebounds and blocked five shots.
Dacia was the lone Nino in twin digits with 20. In the second game in Ilocos, the Smart-Pampanga Buddies arranged a virtual knockout game with the Ninos for the second leg championship seat by spanking the host Ilocos Sur Bravehearts, 93-79.
The Ninos and Buddies are tied with similar 1-1 cards.
BOX SCORES:
LAGUNA (63) ? Angeles 18, Mangahas 11, Estrada 10, Sanz 9, Villaver 7, Doruelo 3, Bolocon 3, Ekwe 2, Magdadaro 0, Ricafuente 0, Legaspi 0.
CEBU (61) ? Dacia 20, Padilla 6, Basco 6, Ababon 6, Cainglet 6, Tangkay 5, Enriquez 3, Mepana 3, Cavan 2, Rodriguez 2, Berame 2, Aying 0, Capati 0. PR
