M. Lhuillier-Cebu Niños

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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Cebu Niños seek spare guard
Saturday, June 19, 2010

By Rommel C. Manlosa


THE M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños are still searching for a point guard to boost their campaign in the Tournament of the Philippines.

“In this kind of tournament, where you need to play every day, we really need to have a spare point guard,” coach Yayoy Alcoseba told Sun.Star Cebu.

The Niños only have Mark Ababon and Warren Ybañez as their playmakers after longtime guard Woodrow Enriquez was officially ruled out of the lineup because of a spinal injury.

Enriquez’s father, Fredo, who is also a long -time assistant of Alcoseba, confirmed his son can no longer play basketball.

“Woodrow is doing fine now. He can move, but his movements are limited. He is under rehabilitation and his basketball days are over. He can no longer play,” said Fredo, a former PBA player.

Fredo was grateful to team owner Michel Lhuillier for the support they gave his son.

“The company spent almost P2 million for the hospitalization and rehabilitation of Woodrow. In addition, his (service) contract was renewed despite his being out of action,” he said.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on June 20, 2010.

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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Cebu Niños face Alaska Aces today
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Saturday, September 25, 2010

THE M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños will play with all their might as they face the 2010 PBA Fiesta Cup champions Alaska Aces in an exhibition game at the University of San Carlos Gym at 5 p.m.

The Cebuano squad, fresh from reaping the first Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) Conference 1 title, is set to face the re-energized Aces, who’ve lost two of three matches against the Niños.

Alaska signed up the versatile Elmer Espiritu from the rookie draft to play with the explosive Cyrus Baguio and added Jerwin Gaco.

“It’s going to be an all-out war. Nobody from each side is going to give an easy game, ” Alcoseba said.

The first game of that back-to-back exhibition match was the time when the Niños lost its long-serving point-guard Woodrow Enriquez who is now paralyzed after a spinal column injury.

“This is a sort of gauge for us because we are now serious in our intention to join the PBA. There is a very huge possibility that we (M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala) will join the PBA. That is why we will have a different approach towards this match,” said Alcoseba.

The Niños will only have one chance as their game against B-Meg on Sunday was scrapped.

“Coach Tim (Cone) asked me if it was possible that they will be the one who will play B-Meg on Sunday, so I gave way,” said Alcoseba.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on September 25, 2010.

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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M. Lhuillier zaps Alaska anew
By Emmanuel V. Villaruel (The Freeman) Updated September 26, 2010 12:00 AM


CEBU, Philippines - Among the regular PBA visitors here in Cebu, it seems that the Alaska Aces are the favorite whipping boys of the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala.

Game Today

(USC-Main gym)

5 pm

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala vs. B-Meg Derby Ace

Last night, the M. Lhuillier Jewelers repeated its mastery over Alaska, hacking out a resounding 93-82 victory over the reigning PBA Fiesta Conference champion in their exhibition match at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

The win, M. Lhuillier's third in four meetings against the Uytengsu-owned franchise this year, was a fitting morale-booster as the Jewelers of team owner Michel J. Lhuillier and legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba faces a tougher mission against the James Yap-led B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados at 5:00 this afternoon still at the USC gym.

As in their previous encounters, M. Lhuillier dictated the tempo of the game and was in full command after taking a 24-15 lead at the end of the first period.

After M. Lhuillier posted a commanding 56-37 advantage with just a minute gone by in the third period, the Aces of coach Tim Cone couldn't do nothing to even just trim the deficit down to a single digit.

Bruce Dacia, who was hitting at will on all angles, cashed in 24 points, even as three others dished out twin figures. Marlon Basco added 15 points, while Ian Saladaga and Nathaniel Cruz connived for 24 markers for the Jewelers, whose biggest lead stood at 20 points - the last was at 89-69 on Froilan Baguion's basket at the final 3:38 of the contest.

Joe Devance topped Alaska with 16 points followed by Tony de la Cruz with 14. Cyrus Baguio scattered 13 points in his first hardcourt showing under the Aces' uniform.

The scores

M. Lhuillier (93) - Dacia 24, Basco 15, Saladaga 13, Cruz 11, Padilla 8, Nailon 8, Baguion 5, Poligrates 5, Santos 4,

Alaska (82) - Devance 19, De la Cruz 14, Baguio 13, Eman 10, Tenorio 7, Espiritu 6, Custodio 6, Soto 3, Robinson 3, Borboran 3

Quarterscores:24-15, 46-34, 75-58, 93-82 (FREEMAN)
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MLKP Cebu Niños beat Alaska Aces, again
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Saturday, September 25, 2010

THE dominance of the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños over the Alaska Aces continued, as the Cebuano squad beat the pro team, 93-82, last night at the University of San Carlos (USC)Gym.

Today, the 2010 PBA Fiesta Cup champions will play the James Yap-led 2009 PBA Philippines Cup kings B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados at 5 p.m. still at the USC Gym.

This was the Niños’ third win over the Aces in four games.

Coming from an exhausting victory in the Tournament of the Philippines (TOP) National Finals, the Niños started strong, showing no rust despite the two-week layoff.

High-flying Bruce Dacia proved unstoppable as he displayed an outside-inside scoring game to finish with the game-high 24 points.

Cebu got off hot early and was able to control the pace of the entire game.

With Alaska still groping for form, Cebu outscored the taller opponents 24-15 at the end of the first quarter.

The Aces tried to regain composure but their poor spacing and lack of intensity gave them away.

The Niños erected a double-digit lead following a triple each from Nat Cruz and Dacia early in the second period, 30-19.

From there on, the Aces failed to cut down the lead to a single digit as they struggled to score from all angles.

20-point lead

Unlike the Aces, the Niños had it easy and with the breaks of the games going their way, the Niños were able to build a 20-point lead twice, 83-63, and, 89-69, in the final 3:30 of the game.

Alaska made its final push, but an 11-2 rally was not enough to turn the game around.

Aside from Dacia, three other Niños scored in double digits. Marlon Basco scored 15, Richard Ian Saladaga added 13 and Cruz finished with 11.

Joe Devance topscored for the Aces with 19 points, while Tony de la Cruz had 14. High-flying Cyrus Baguio finished with 13 and Samigue Eman added 10.

Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on September 26, 2010.
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ML Cebu-Niños beat Aces anew in friendly game

Cebu Daily News

First Posted 07:15:00 09/26/2010

Filed Under: Basketball


Game Sunday:

USC Gym

5 p.m. – BMEG Derby Ace vs. M. Lhuillier

THE ALASKA Aces once again found their kryptonite in the reigning Tournament of the Philippines champions M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños.

The Niños bagged their third victory in four games over the powerhouse PBA squad, this time with a resounding 93-82 win yesterday at the University of San Carlos gym.

Alaska, champions in the recently-concluded Fiesta Conference, were made to look listless as they trailed from the opening tip until the final buzzer.

The Niños, who clobbered the Aces 75-55 in their match last year, replicated that feat as they pushed their advantage to a high of 20, 89-69, late in the game before Alaska made several shots in the waning moments to keep the margin of defeat at a respectable rate.

The Niños gained more than respect from the Aces and showed that they are worthy of being in the big leagues, a feat which they hope will come to fruition next year as hinted by Ninos head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba in a press conference earlier this week.

M. Lhuillier also beat Alaska, 88-87, in their match early this year. Alaska's only win against the Ninos came in Bogo City where they prevailed, 87-75.

Bruce Dacia led the way for the Niños with 24 points while Marlon Basco added 15 points. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio

[AnthonyServinio]

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos will play three PBA teams at the Cebu Coliseum next week -- Alaska Aces, Meralco Bolts and Powerade Tigers. Click here for more details.

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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P350T at stake in Barili hoopla
By EBV (The Freeman) Updated February 22, 2011 12:00 AM


CEBU, Philippines - A whopping P350,000 in cash prize is at stake for the top performers of the 1st Guibuangan Invitational Cup commercial basketball tournament set from February 24 to 27 at the Guibuangan Sports Complex in Barili, Cebu.

Aside from trophies, the champion will receive P130,000, while the second placer will pocket P100,000. The third and fourth will pocket P70,000 and P50,000, respectively.

The competing squads in the four-day joust organized by former Cebu Gems assistant coach Rex Salvaña are the multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niño, Misamis Oriental (MisOr Meteors), San Man Corporation of Davao and Pacman-GenSan Warriors of boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

The competition follows a single round robin format, with the top two placers slugging it out for the championship in a winner-take-all affair.

The event is hosted by Barili Vice Mayor Marlon Garcia, Association of Barangay Council (ABC) president Norman Anore, Guibuangan Brgy. Capt. Nelson Gingoyon and Hon. Calceditha Alquisola (FREEMAN)

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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Cebu Niños face Montaña in Davao finals
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sunday, March 20, 2011


THE M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños moved a win away from defending the title as they face home team and corporate rivals Montaña Pawnshop for the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte 74th Araw ng Dabaw Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Davao City Recreation Center-Almendras Gym.

The Niños and the Jewelers tote identical 2-0 win-loss slates, and were playing for the championship round at press time last night.

The winner of the event, which is also sanctioned as a Liga Pilipinas Conference 4 pre-season, will get P75,000.

The Niños earlier beat Sanman Corp., 102-78, with Richard Ian Saladaga topping the scorers with 21 points. Mark Ababon, Stephen Padilla and Nat Cruz all finished with 15 points for the win.

During the opening day of the tournament, MLKP-Cebu also defeated CM Farm five, 94-74, for their first victory.

Montaña, on the other hand, beat Goldstar Corp., 92-81, and CM Farms, 111-95, to forge a showdown with the Cebuano heavyweights.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on March 21, 2011.
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Goldstar stuns M. Lhuillier
By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
Sunday, March 20, 2011


GOLDSTAR Hardware scored a major upset in its final game, dealing defending champion M. Lhuillier-Kwarta Padala of Cebu a stinging defeat in the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament.

Ronald Capati unloaded 35 points against his former team and Neil Raneses added 15 as Goldstar toppled the mighty M. Lhuillier, 91-85, before a highly appreciative Saturday crowd at the fully-airconditioned Davao City Recreation Center.

In the second game, Montaña Pawnshop beat Sanman Corporation, 95-76, to grab the solo lead in the five-team field with a 3-0 slate and needs only to beat M. Lhuillier in its final game to seal the crown.

It was another stunning win for the Goldstar dribblers, who opened the tournament with two straight defeats only to bounce back with a two-game win streak.

The loss jeopardized M. Lhuillier's bid to retain its title. It needs to beat Montaña in its final match to force a 3-1 slate and rely on the quotient system to eventually break the tie.

On Friday, Goldstar topped Sanman, 112-104, and its victory over M. Lhuillier gave the team a 2-2 card. M. Lhuillier is at second with 2-1.

Montaña was to shoot for the crown last night against the Cebuano dribblers starting at 7 p.m. following the 5 p.m. showdown between CM Farm and Sanman.

The champion in the tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) 11 under Regino "Boy" Cua will receive P75,000 while the second and third placers will pocket P50,000 and P35, respectively.

The fourth placer will get P25,000 and fifth P10,000.

The teams that competed also got a bonus after Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte gave them P20,000 each just for participating in the event, one of the highlights of this year's Araw ng Dabaw celebration.


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 21, 2011.

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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NIÑOS WIN IN DAVAO
Multi-titled Cebuano commercial hoop squad rules Araw ng Dabaw tournament

By Jonas Panerio
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 07:04:00 03/22/2011

Filed Under: Basketball

The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños added another title to their trophy case as they captured the championship in the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament after outlasting the Montana Pawnshop, 94-80, late Sunday night at the packed Davao City Recreation Center.

The Niños of head coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba and team owner Michel Lhuillier asserted their might behind their defense all-game long as they led from start to finish, including a huge 47-32 lead at halftime.

Versatile wingman Ian Saladaga led the way for the Niños with 24 points and was named as the league MVP. He also got P5,000 from lawyer Mans Carpio, the husband of Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte.

MLKP claimed the title as it finished the tournament with a 4-1 (win-loss) record. A loss to Goldstar Hardware in their previous outing put the Niños' title hopes in danger as they had to face the hometown favorites Montana in their last game as the latter also shared the same 4-1 record. Fortunately, the Niños regained their focus and ran away with the lead from the get-go en route to the victory.

Bruce Dacia scored 16 while Nat Cruz added 15 markers for the visiting Niños, which got a whopping P75,000 as the cash prize.

Montana was led by Henry Fernandez, who notched 17, while Eugene Torres tacked on 15. The runners-up went home with P50,000 while CM Farms, which finished third, received P35,000.

As an added bonus, all five participating teams received P20,000 each from Mayor Duterte for participating in the tournament, which was organized as part of the 74th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.
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M. Lhuillier keeps 'Aeaw' cage crown
By Charles Raymond A. Maxey
Tuesday, March 22, 2011


M. LHUILLIER Kwarta-Padala of Cebu used a suffocating defense and a fiery offense anchored on main gunner Ian Saladaga to crush Montaña Pawnshop, 94-80, and capture the Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Araw ng Dabaw Invitational basketball tournament crown before a capacity crowd at the fully-airconditioned Davao City Recreation Center Sunday night.

M. Lhuillier jumped to a 7-0 lead using a man-to-man defense and utilized the early advantage as a springboard to the lopsided victory as the home team simply fell apart from a maze of errors and sloppy plays.

With the win, the Cebuano dribblers retained the crown they won last year and pocketed the P75,000 champion's purse in the five-team field organized by Liga Dabaw and staged as one of the sports highlights of the 74th Araw ng Dabaw celebration.

M. Lhuillier, mentored by Yayoy Alcoseba, bagged P95,000 all in all as Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte also gave P20,000 to each of the teams just for competing in the five-day event.

It was a double celebration for M. Lhuillier as Saladaga emerged the tournament's Most Valuable Player (MVP). He had a game-high 24 points in the final game aside from providing the spark for his team with timely baskets down the stretch.

Both M. Lhuillier and Montaña actually finished the single round-robin tournament tied at three wins and one loss each, but the former was declared the champion because of "the team that beat the other" rule.

Bruce Dacia and Nat Cruz provided scoring support for Saladaga with 16 and 15, respectively.

Monta¤a was led by Henry Fernandez with 17 points. Eugene Torres had 15 and Dado Asyon 13.

Montaña finished second to pocket P70,000 while CM Farm and Goldstar Hardware ended up third and fourth, respectively. CM Farm received P55,000 and Goldstar got P45,000. Sanman Corporation ended up fifth and received P30,000.

Liga Dabaw vice chair Atty. Mans Carpio, the husband of the mayor, awarded the cash prizes and trophies to the winners right after the final match.

Atty. Caprio was assisted by Liga Dabaw secretary general William "Butch" Ramirez, assistant city administrator Erwin Alparaque and Regino "Boy" Cua, Region 11 director of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP) which sanctioned the tournament.


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 22, 2011.

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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Lhuillier revamps lineup
By Rommel C. Manlosa
Sunday, April 17, 2011


DEFENDING champions M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños made a major revamp in their lineup for the upcoming campaign in the Liga Pilipinas Conference IV, which is set to open on April 27 in Sto. Domingo People’s Center in Ilocos Sur.

The Niños parted ways with long-serving center and Conference I MVP Marlon Basco along with Tournament of the Philippines vital players Mark Magsumbol, Hafer Mondragon, point guard Eliud Poligrates and ex-PBA player Ariel Capus.

To replace the five, coach Raul Alcoseba tapped center Angelus Raymundo and re-hired wingmen Jayford Rodriguez and Mark Abadia. Ferdinand Lusdoc and CBA’s Talisay City team Fil-Am Nic Monaco were also added.

Froilan Baguion is also set to return.

Retained for Conference IV were TOP MVP Stephen Padilla, Bruce Dacia, Mark Ababon, Richard Ian Saladaga and bigmen Franklyn Nailon, Abby Santos and Nat Cruz.

Liga Pilipinas will have at least seven teams this conference—Niños, Misamis Oriental, Laguna, Ilocos Sur, MP GenSan-Warriors, Mandaue-Cebu Landmasters. The league is still waiting for the confirmation of two other teams.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on April 18, 2011.

[Liga Pilipinas]

Note: The following articles are from independent external sources and does not necessarily reflect the official stand of Liga Pilipinas, Pinoy Basketbol Incorporated (PBI) and Pinoy Basketbol Management Incorporated (PBMI).
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Petron Blazers beat Niños
Monday, May 16, 2011


THE Petron Turbo Blazers rode on the heroics of Arwind Santos and their imposing height advantage to beat the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, 94-90, in an exhibition game at the Cebu Coliseum last Saturday evening.

The SMC franchise was staring at defeat when the Niños displayed the form that made them one of the top amateur ball clubs in the country and a Liga Pilipinas powerhouse team.

After a few exchanges of leads early in the first quarter, Cebu established control behind the combined efforts of Abbey Santos, Nat Cruz, Richard Ian Saladaga, Frank Nailon and Bruce Dacia for a 13-2 run that gave MLKP a 28-18 lead a little over two minutes left.

Petro climbed back and was within 33-33 when Jayford Rodriguez ignited a 17-0 run as the Niños built a 50-31 lead with 3:22 left before the bend.

Feeling a little frustrated with the way his Blazers played defense, coach Renato Agustin called a timeout and sent back Santos and Petron managed to cut the lead to 54-39 at the end of the first half.

Rampage

Dacia and Saladaga kept the double-digit lead for the Cebuano squad despite the scoring rampage of Santos, who had 10 points in the third that got Petron closer 76-66 entering the final quarter.

The pros then started to make their moves in the final period. Rabeh Al-Hussaini, Joseph Yeo, Paolo Hubalde and Santos took turns in hitting the basket, as Petron tied the game for the only the third time at 85 with still 4:46 left to play.

A triple by Felix Belano gave M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala their last taste of the lead as the Cebuanos completely lost hold of the game after missing four successive free throws in the final three minutes.

Petron then dropped the telling 9-2 run, which was capped by Santos’ two-handed slam in the final 5.5 seconds, to steal the win.

Arwind Santos scored 21 points, Yeo added 10 and Jay Washington finished with 14 for the first public appearance of the Petron Turbo Blazers, the former San Miguel Beer.

Saladaga topscored for the Cebu Niños with 16 points, while Rodriguez and Abby Santos finished with 15 points each.


Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on May 16, 2011.
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Petron blazes past M. Lhuillier
By Lemuel P. Maglinte (The Freeman) Updated May 16, 2011 12:00 AM


CEBU, Philippines - New name, new brand of game.

The Petron Blazers, formerly the San Miguel Beermen, impressively dismantled an 18-point deficit in the second period to turn back the reigning Liga Pilipinas champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, 94-90, in their goodwill encounter the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.

Although not yet the real test for them, the Arwind Santos-led Blazers somehow showed to their Cebuano fans that they are back in fighting form after a dismal showing in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.

It was not a smooth-sailing journey to victory though for the Blazers.

In a rather rough and physical game, the Niños were in control in the early goings, coasting to a 15-point advantage at halftime, 54-39.

But Petron of coach Ato Agustin charged back with savvy in the second half to whittle the deficit down to a manageable six points, 77-82, midway in the fourth period.

The two protagonists figured in an intense shootfest in the closing minutes of the contest, with the Blazers launching a barrage of triples that was countered by Niños' triggermen in Felix Belano and Jayford Rodriguez.

The Blazers enjoyed their first taste of lead, 91-88, on Joseph Yeo's three-point play, but Abby Santos reduced it to a one point deficit after converting a running hook shot, 90-91.

After Hubalde split his charities, the Niños had a chance to retake the lead but Ian Saladaga muffed a 3-point attempt in the last 18 seconds of the match.

That miss was so costly for the M. Lhuillier-backed crew as in the ensuing play, Petron made a fast-break play that was completed by Arwind Santos with an electrifying two-hander slam to the delight of spectators.

The scores

Petron (94) – Santos 21, Yeo 20, Washington 14, Al-Hussaini 8, Tugade 6, Hubalde 6, Pennissi 5, Duncil 4, Cabagnut 3, Guevarra 3, Ildefonso 2, Miranda 2

M.Lhuillier (90) – Saladaga 16, Santos 15, Rodriguez 15, Dacia 14, Cruz 10, Belano 7, Baguion 6, Nailon 4, Padilla 2, Abadia 1

Quarterscores:21-25; 39-54; 66-76; 94-90. – THE FREEMAN
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GOOD SIGN SO FAR
Newly renamed Petron Blaze Boosters pull off impressive win over MLKP-Cebu Niños
By Jonas Panerio
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 07:23:00 05/16/2011


If the Petron Blaze Boosters are to make their mark in the upcoming PBA Governor's Cup, they can pinpoint Cebu as the place which started the ball rolling.

This after they came all the way back from an 18-point deficit to defeat the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, 94-90, in a heated and intensity-filled exhibition game last Saturday night at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Blaze Boosters, formerly the San Miguel Beermen, are looking forward towards changing their fortunes after a disastrous showing in the Commissioner's Cup, where they finished in dead last in the standings.

And for a while there, the visitors appeared headed towards another humiliating defeat as they got down, 52-70, midway through the third period as the Niños shot torridly from the field and let go of a 13-5 run anchored on Ian Saladaga and Bruce Dacia.

However, Petron, with their pride at stake, came alive and roared back into the ballgame behind the efforts of Joseph Yeo, Arwind Santos, Paolo Hubalde and Rabeh Al-Hussaini.

After a long pursuit, they finally caught up and tied the game at 85-all off a Santos fade-away jumper.

The Niños got a brief respite from the onslaught as they took the lead once more at 88-85 after a three-pointer by Felix Belano.

Petron kept on coming and took a 91-88 lead off a 6-0 run that saw two slashing lay-ups from Yeo and two free-throws from Hubalde.

An inside stab by Abby Santos got the Niños within one on their next attack and they actually had a chance to take the lead after the Blaze Boosters missed on their possession. However, Saladaga missed a three-point attempt from the wing off a great feed from Jayford Rodriguez.

After a free-throw make by Hubalde which pegged the score at 92-90, the Niños still had one more chance for a tie or even the lead but the bungled it as the ball was tapped away from Belano, which led to a soaring dunk from Santos for the final tally.

Santos ended up with 21 points while Yeo had 20. Jay Washington also added 14.

The Niños were paced by the 16 of Saladaga and the 15 each of Rodriguez and Abby Santos.

The Niños are gearing up for the Liga Pilipinas V 2nd leg, which kicks off this Wednesday at the same venue.