Games Friday (Emilio Aguinaldo College gym)
12 p.m. — Taguig vs Cobra
2 p.m. — Ascof Lagundi vs MP Gensan

Taguig leaned on the heroics of veteran Eric dela Cuesta and wily guard Lou Gatumbato to thump MP Pacman Gensan, 99-76, on Thursday in the fifth leg of the Tournament of the Philippines at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

Dela Cuesta, one of the team’s new additions, erupted for 22 points on 9-of-13 shooting while Gatumbato spearheaded a strong second half attack as Taguig notched its second straight win and moved closer to a spot in the leg finals.

Gatumbato finished with 20 points, five rebounds and nine assists for the Bing Victoria-mentored Taguig, which could gain a free ride to the finals provided that Ascof Lagundi defeats Cobra in the game being played at presstime. — Jonas Terrado