Cough Busters Try Again In TOP's 5th Leg

Ascof Lagundi has already established its bridesmaid syndrome in the Tournament of the Philippines.

Two runner-up finishes after four legs, the Natural Cough Busters try to win the big one in the fifth leg of this event that comes off the wraps Wednesday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.

The Natural Cough Busters battle the debuting Forward Taguig at 2:30 p.m. right after the game between MP Gensan Warriors and the Cobra Ironmen at 12 noon.

But the Pascual Laboratories'-owned squad Ascof Lagundi can’t take Forward Taguig for granted since the latter is bolstered by former top collegiate players.

Ascof Lagundi coach Carlo Tan is again expected to rely on former PBL MVP Vic Manuel, veteran forward Edwin Asoro, Sean Co and Rob Labagala.

Ascof Lagundi, which was beaten by M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu in the first leg, and defeated by host Laguna in the third leg, is running third in the standings with 17 points.

Misamis Oriental is on top with 22 points, following a four-game sweep of the Mandaue City leg, while Treston-Laguna is second with 18.

The Ironmen, led by former University of the East stars Elmer Espiritu, Pari Llagas and Rudy Lingganay, won the General Santos City leg, but were a big disappointment in the Laguna leg after losing all their four games.

Owned by boxing champ and Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao, the Warriors hope to improve on a pair of third-place finishes (Gensan and Mandaue). John
Gonzaga, Louie Medalla and Erian Daja will backstop the squad.

The champion team receives 10 points while five points will be given to the runner-up. The third placer gets three points while a point will be rewarded to the fourth placer.

Rey Joble, GMA News