MLKP beats jittery Agilas, 97-93, for sixth win

Sunstar
October 11, 2007

Defending champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City Jewelers used a crippling full court trap then clogged the middle to stop the inside game of the Goldstar Hardware Duterte Agilas-Davao, 97-93, in the ongoing second round of elimination of the 2007 MVBA Second Conference game at the Cebu Coliseum last night.

It was a roller coaster game for the Agilas as they squandered a 39-23 lead in the second quarter, came back to dominate most of the second half, only to collapse in the waning minutes of the game.

Scoreless against the Arthro Kontra Arthritis last Monday, defensive artist Gerry Cavan combined efforts with the cat-quick Woodrow Enriquez to rally the Jewelers when the game was on the line.

Down by four, 83-87 at the 4:03 of the final period, Cavan scored four of his 11 points and Enriquez contributed four to even the game at 91-all with 1:46 left to play.

A slam dunk by Ron Capati off a steal gave the Jewelers the lead back since the 8:19 mark of the third.

Buboy Berami was able to even the score for the Agilas with an inside stab with 48.8 seconds left as Enriquez sank two free throws 16.2 seconds later.

Costly

However, a costly error by Berami gave Bruce Dacia a chance to secure the win for the Jewelers with a fast break lay-up in the final 11.8 seconds.

The Agilas failed to score on its final possession while Capati secured the rebound as the time expired.

Dacia again led the Jewelers to victory with 19 points, while Berami scored the game-high 26 points for the visiting Agilas.

Tonight, the Agilas will be shooting for the elusive first win in the MVBA as they visit the Cebu Landmasters-Mandaue at the Mandaue City Sports Complex.

Meanwhile, Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr claimed the top spot in the Mindanao Division following an 81-74 win at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro City Tuesday evening. (RCM)