Cebu clinches last semis slot

MANILA, Philippines - M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu needed just one big quarter to prove that its shocking loss to Manny Pacquiao’s MP Gensan Warriors more than a month ago was a fluke.

Working behind their brilliant transition plays, the Niños of Cebu came through with several spurts in the second quarter en route to an emphatic 93-86 win that enabled them to clinch the fourth and last semis berth in the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Wednesday at the Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City.

Almost forgotten after a so-so showing in the nine-leg elimination series, Ian Saladaga reintroduced himself big time as he scattered 11 of his 15 points in that period to set the tone for a breezy win.

With the win, the Niños, who came into the game armed with a twice-to-beat privilege, joined Misamis Oriental, Ascof Lagundi and Laguna Stallions in the Final Four of the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

Cebu faces Ascof Lagundi in a best-of-three semis series while Misamis Oriental takes on Laguna in a separate series starting Tuesday next week.

More than that, Cebu avenged its 79-74 setback to Gensan last July 22 - a defeat that ended their 30-game winning run.

The Niños led by only two points at the end of the first quarter, 19-17, until Saladaga waxed hot that saw the Niños extend their lead to 52-35 at the break.

Stephen Padilla and Warren Ybanez then joined the scoring spree, leading a mighty 16-5 run to stretch their lead to 68-40 with 4:42 left in the third.

Though Cebu coach Yayoy Alcoseba fielded in his second unit in the payoff period, there was no way the Warriors could turn the tide as the Niños were really determined to exact revenge to the team that embarrassed them.

Padilla added 12 and Abby Santos finished with 11 for the Niños while Louie Medalla paced the Warriors with a game-high 23 points.

The scores:

M. LHUILLIER CEBU 93 - Saladaga 15, Padilla 12, Santos 11, Mepana 9, Ybanez 8, Cruz 7, Dacia 6, Basco 6, Nailon 6, Baguion 4, Mondragon 3, Magsumbol 2, Ababon 2, Poligrates 2.

MP GENSAN 81 - Medalla 23, Yambao 13, Nicdao 9, Sagad 9, Callo 8, Parreno 6, Farochilen 4, Daja 4, Mendoza 2, Coronado 2, Concepcion 1, Locsin 0, Timon 0, Bucao 0.

Quarterscores: 19-17, 52-35, 80-54, 93-81.