M. Lhuillier dominates again

CEBU, Philippines - Although it was only a tune-up tournament of sorts, defending National champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala displayed a superb performance to win the Liga Pilipinas Conference-IV pre-season competition at the Cebu Coliseum last night.

MLKP of coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba sealed the four-day action with an 83-63 victory over the Laguna Trace Stallions.

Aside from winning the pre-season title, the Cebu Niños kept its record unblemished. The Niño’s have a streak of 25 games now.

Unlike its second and third games in the elimination round, when coach Alcoseba was not there the entire time due his other obligations at Cebu City Hall being a councilor, this time, he was there for his wards right from the start down to the final buzzer making sure the players from Laguna won’t steal the show away from them.

As a result, the Niños had no time to relax and went hard all throughout the game to the delight of their loyal supporters.

Wasting no time, the Niños grabbed every chance possible to score, posting an eight point lead at the end of the first quarter, 21-13 with Abby Santos, Marlon Basco and Bruce Dacia leading the team.

The Niño’s doubled their lead to 16 at the half, 45-29.

Alain Musni and former MLKP dribbler Ron Capati tried to rescue Laguna, but the suffocating defense of the Niños was too much to handle that it was only when the likes of Frank Nailon, Mark Magsumbol, Ariel Mepaña, and Woodrow Enriquez left the court that the Laguna got the chance to score anew.

From as much as 26 points, coach Nomar Isla’s team was able to cut the lead to only 17 points, but there wasn’t much time left for the visitors.

Earlier, the Pacman Warriors of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao left with the  third place honors after beating guest team Ave Maria Sanctuary with an 86-72 win.

Ave Maria of coach Edito Salacut fought hard to make its guest appearance in the Liga Pilipinas more memorable, but could only do as much as leading the first half at 38-37.

Realizing that Ave Maria is out to spoil their day, the Warriors worked harder, grabbed the lead and never looked back to claim the win.

The scores:

Battle for third:

PACMAN(86) – Gonzaga 14, Mendoza 14, Sagad 12, Daja 10, Callo 9, Parreno 4, Coronado 3

AVE MARIA(72) – Luga 15, Gabas 13, Amores 9, Justiniani 8, Aying 6, Cavan 6,  Delfino 5, Baribe 2, Bucao 2, Hatague 2, Malinao 2, Ponce 2

Championship game:

MLKP(83)- Santos 14, Saladaga 12, Dacia 11, Basco 8,Enriquez 7,  Magsumbol 7, Cruz 5, Mepaña 4,  Mondragon 3, Nailon 3, Padilla 3,Poligrates 3, Ababon 2

LAGUNA (63) – Estrada 9, Villaver 9, Villafuente 5, Musni 8, Grijaldo 7, Losentes 7,Capati 6, Angeles 5, Sanz 4, Bolocon 2,Mangahas 2. – THE FREEMAN