Padilla lifts Gems past TPG Davao

Stephen Padilla scored on a short jumper and made two free throws in the final 26.6 seconds of play as Cebuana Lhuillier carved out an 89-86 decision over TPG Davao to snap a three-game losing skein in the 2001 MBA Second Phase at the San Juan Gym yesterday.

A product of the University of Visayas and member of the RP Team that retained the Southeast Asian Basketball Association (SEABA) men’s crown a few months back, Padilla took charge when needed most as the Gems outlasted the Eagles, enhancing their bid for the Final Four on their fourth win in nine outings.

Cebuana Lhuillier solidified its hold of second place in the Southern Conference standings as it kept TPG Davao winless in seven starts in the tourney.

Falling behind by a point, 85-86, on a putback by Romy dela Rosa on a miss by Ryan Bernardo, the Gems quickly regained the lead as Padilla eluded Peter Simon for a close-range shot.

In the ensuing play, Eagles went to the bull-strong Bernardo again at the post but Homer Se put up a defensive wall, forcing the Davao slotman to lose possession.

Peter Naron grabbed the looseball only to muff two charities off a quick foul by Bernardo himself. But Joey Sta. Maria pulled down the rebound and Padilla gave the team more breathing room on two free throws off a foul by Simon with 11.8 ticks left.

The Eagles allowed the Gems to preserve the win as Genesis Sasuman missed an attempt from beyond the arc in the closing seconds.