Ave Maria stays alive in MLKP Under-21 cagefest

Cebu - Ave Maria Sanctuary Park lived and fight for another day after gunning down the twice-to-beat 5th Avenue Telecom, 72-68, in the quarterfinal round of the 6th M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Under-21 Developmental Basketball League at the Consolacion Sports Complex.

The two squads will again meet this Saturday in a sudden-death match, with the winner advancing into the semifinals.

It was a close battle for most of the way with neither team leading by more than six points. Ave Maria enjoyed its biggest edge at 55-50 at the end of the third period.

The 5th Avenue Telecom of coach Marvin Felicis rallied back in the closing minutes of the contest to forge a 65-all deadlock with 58 seconds to go, but Abing played hero’s role by hitting back-to-back field goals to give Ave Maria a 69-65 breather with 23 ticks left before the final buzzer.

Abing topscored for Ave Maria with 26 points followed by Michael Montenegro with 23 markers.

The three-month tilt is organized by M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) executive director and multi-titled coach Eddie B. Ybañez. The cash prizes as well as part of the tournament proceeds will be donated to charitable institutions of the winners’ choice.

The scores

Ave Maria SP (72) - Abing 26, Montenegro 23, Cinco 4, Obledado 5, Herdia 2, Dela Rama 3, Senining 3, Morales 2, Trillo 2, Semblante 2

5th Ave Telecom (68) - Alon 15, Mangin 9, Solis 9, Talingting 7, Ababa 5, Marquez 5, Quilab 6, Cañete 4, Guardiario 4

Quarterscores:21-14, 36-33, 55-50, 72-68. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)