1st MLKP-CBA season: ACT, Ave Maria start strong

CEBU, Philippines - The Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights thwarted a comeback bid by Hotel Fortuna to walk away with a 78-67 victory in last Sunday's season-opener of the 1st M.Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Basketball Association (MLKP-CBA) at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Cyber Knights, tipped as a strong title contender, are now tied with opening game winner Ave Maria Sanctuary Park, who also stymied a late rally by the Mandaue City-Cebu Landmasters to hack out an 88-81 win.

The Cyber Knights and Ave Maria will dispute the solo lead this Sunday, while the Landmasters will try to bounce back against the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) Skyblazers.

Michael Luga scored back-to-back baskets midway in the third period that gave the Cyber Knights a little breathing room just in time of when Hotel Fortuna came within a striking distance, 42-45.

Luga connived with Janjan Villaver as they led the Cyber Knights with 15 points each, while the indefatigable Alano Caputolan, the most veteran in their roster, added 13 markers followed by ACT holdover Adelbert Nuñez with 11.

Big men Clefford Maguate and Gilbert Gallarde topscored for the Lorenzo "Chao" Sy-owned Hotel Fortuna with 13 points each, while Cris Litorja and Aard Evan Diango conspired for 23 markers.

Earlier, Mannie Gabas and two other teammates netted double figures to spark Ave Maria's triumph.

The scores

First game

Ave Maria (88) - Gabas 12, Llanto 10, Tangkay 10, Delfiuno 6, Alicaway 6, Aying 6, amores 5, Abellana 4, Duran 2, Cavan 2, Rizane 2, Cainglet 2

Mandaue-Cebu Landmasters (81) - Juliane 17, Abatayo 14, Tundag 11, Samonte 11, Espina 10, Rogado 7, Omolon 6, Pagasian 3 Halftime: 45-33

Second game

ACT (78) - Luga 15, Villaver 15, Caputolan 13, Nuñez 11, Galinato 8, Akad 7, Bucao 5, Valencia 3, Sampelo 2

Hotel Fortuna (67) - Maguate 13, Gallarde 13, Litorja 12, Diango 11, Pria 5, Manigque 1 Halftime: 43-38 (FREEMAN NEWS)