Mandaue winds up second in VisMin elims

MANILA, Philippines — Seasoned guard Ping Exciminiano regained fine form as KCS Mandaue thumped Dumaguete, 78-50, in a good warm-up heading into the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup playoffs yesterday at the Alcantara Civic Center in Cebu.

The PBA veteran, hampered by a hamstring injury from the start of the tourney, unleashed 16 points and added three steals in 16 minutes of action as the Computer Specialists wrapped up their elimination-round campaign at second place with an 8-2 card.

Mandaue, which also earned a twice-to-beat incentive in the semifinals, will meet the survivor of the gruelling knockout quarterfinals featuring Lapu-Lapu, Tabogon, Dumaguete and Tubigon Bohol.

Unbeaten Talisay (10-0) is already seeded in the finals.

“I want to thank God in helping me play healthy at last after weeks of limited action. I prepared hard for this so I’m thankful to be given the strength and right mindset to compete again,” said Exciminiano, who received a greenlight from mother team TNT to play in the VisMin after signing a one-year deal last February.

Exciminiano, the 18th pick of Alaska in the 2013 PBA draft, drew help from Red Cachuela (9), Phil Mercader (9), Gryann Mendoza (7) and Joseph Nalos (7) in their repeat conquest of the Warriors after a 79-73 first-round win.