CEBU, Philippines - M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu hopes to become the first three-leg winner when it battles host Cobra Energy Drink today at the start of the seventh leg of the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.
Apart from the honor of winning the opening leg of the league jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League (PBL) and Liga Pilipinas, the Niños were the first to win a second jewel when they swept the sixth leg last week at their own turf.
More than that, the Niños are also seeking their 30th straight win dating back the Third Conference of the Liga Pilipinas last year where they won all their 21 games, including the finals against bitter-rival Misamis Oriental.
Game time is set at 2:30 with the wards of coach Yayoy Alcoseba determined to exploit their vast experience and height advantage over the Ironmen – majority of whom are fresh from college.
Clashing in the opening game at 12 noon are ANI-FCA and MP Gensan.
Expected to lead Cebu’s assault are former pro Stephen Padilla, Marlon Basco, Abby Santos, Bruce Dacia, Ian Saladaga and Warren Ybañez.
Cobra topped the Gensan leg (second stage) last month but its fortune took a nosedive as it won only once in its last eight games (two legs).
The ANI-FCA Cultivators, on the other hand, went 2-of-2 in their last four games after dropping their first four games in the opening leg.
Expected to lead the Cultivators are former University of Santo Tomas star Khasim Mirza and Boyet Bautista. – THE FREEMAN