Jewelers bury MP Warriors, 83-66, in MVBA

THE M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City displayed an unforgiving defense and fluid offense while the MP Warriors-GenSan faltered most of the game as the Jewelers nailed an emphatic 83-66 win in the 2007 MVBA Second Conference action at the Cebu Coliseum last night.

The Jewelers employed a tough defensive rotation— anchored on the leech-like quick hands of defensive specialist Gerry Cavan—the Warriors had little to offer from the start as the Cebuanos erected a slim but commanding 15-8 lead after the first quarter.

From there, M. Lhuillier slowly erected a huge lead displaying a balance offensive attack with only Jayford Rodriguez notching a double-digit performance of 12 points.

The hapless Warriors tried everything in the second half but were shooting blanks, despite the presence of its team owner and boxing superstar Manny Pacquiao.

Life streamed back to the Warriors when the Jewelers were already 37 points ahead, 74-37, with 8:39 left to play, after a back-to-back triples from Lou Gatumbato.

Led by Rolly Menor and Louie Medalla, the Warriors let out a mighty run, outscoring the Jewelers, 29-9, the rest of the way, but the efforts fell short as the MP Warriors were already fighting against time.

It was the Warriors’ second setback, the first was a frustrating 78-80 defeat to the Cebu Landmasters-Mandaue City last Sunday.

Today, the MP Warriors is hoping to nail the elusive victory against the Arthro Kontra Arthritis squad at 5:30 p.m. at the Cebu Coliseum.

M. Lhuillier (83)—Rodriguez 12, Aying 9, Dacia 8, Gatumbato 8, Basco 8, Capati 8, Latonio 6, Caputolan 6, Padilla 6, Enriquez 5, Cavan 5, Piodo 2.
MP Warriors (66)—Menor 19, Daja 11, Medalla 10, Coronado 6, Callo 5, Ramos 5, Tadena 3, Recustodio 2.
Quarters: 15-8; 35-21; 68-35; 83-66. (RCM)