The M. Lhuillier-Cebu Niños lived up to their pre-tournament billing when they clobbered former tormentor Ilocos Sur Brave Hearts, 98-81, to bag the championship crown of the Liga Pilipinas northern leg last Sunday at the Santo Domingo People’s Center in Ilocos Sur.The Brave Hearts, who nipped the Niños in their elimination round encounter, 80-77, failed to match the intensity of the Cebuanos despite playing in front of their home crowd. Jayford Rodriguez, Bruce Dacia, Marlon Basco and Ronald Capati all scored in double figures as the Niños dominated the contest right from the opening tip. Rodriguez topped the Niños with 21 points, while Dacia, who was named the tournament Most Valuable Player (MVP), contributed 20 points. Basco cashed in 16 points, while Capati added 13. Gilbert Malabanan led the Brave Hearts with 19 points while Rolly Basilides chipped in 13. Taguig Batang Global, on the other hand, pocketed the third place trophy by beating the Quezon Red Oilers, 81-68. Meanwhile, the Smart-Pampanga Buddies of Coach Aric del Rosario will get their turn to host a pocket tournament set to start on June 25 at the Archbishop Cinense Gym of the University of the Assumption in San Fernando City. BOX SCORES:
CEBU (98) – J. Rodriguez 21, Dacia 20, Basco 16, Capati 13, Padilla 9, Berame 8, Ababon 6, Cavan 3, Saladaga 2.
ILOCOS SUR (81) – Malabanan 19, Basilides 13, Kalaw 12, Guiyab 9, Hugnatan 6, Cabatu 5, Saldua 4, Balares 4, Lopez 4, Reyes 2, Castro 2, Prado 1.
QUARTERSCORES: 22-19, 48-42, 71-55, 98-81. /Correspondent Calvin D. Cordova |
