M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala drubs Aqua World in Pagadian

The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers went strong in the second half on the way to hacking out a 112-100 victory over Aqua World in their exhibition match the other night at the Pagadian City Sports Complex.

The Jewelers, under the behest of assistant coach Eddie Ybañez, had a sluggish start, leading only by two at the end of the first quarter, 25-27, before folding up in the second canto to suffer a one-one deficit at halftime, 34-35.

But the Jewelers rallied back in the third period using a 34-24 blitz to gain a nine-point headway, 78-69, heading into the final 10-minute mark of the contest.

The Cebuano visitors negated several attempts by Aquad World to rally in the closing minutes of the game to secure their first win barely a week since clinching the crown of the Cagayan de Oro City Fiesta Invitational Basketball Championships.

Underscoring a well-balanced attack, five Jewelers cashed in double figures led by steady forward Aldrin Ocañada with 18 points. Jercules Tangkay had 17 points, Leo Bat-og and Bong Marata donated 11 markers apiece, while Marlon Piodo contributed 10 points.

Former PBA star Peter Naron topped Aqua World with 22 points, but had little help from the rest of his teammates as ven the 6-foot-9 goliath Bonel Balingit and the 6-foot-6 Zaldy Realubit were handcuffed to only eight points each.

The scores

M. Lhuillier (112) - Ocañada 18, Tangkay 17, Bat-og 11, Marata 11, Piodo 10, Laygo 9, Aying 7, Enriquez 7, Lumantas 5, Caputolan 4, Canoneo 4, Sayon 4, Olayvar 3, Garcia 2

Aqua World (100) - Naron 22, Dayota 11, Unabia 9, Balingit 8, Realubit 8, Pamaran 8, Singebas 7, Mutia 6, Potot 5, Kelo 5, Cingco 5, Suarez 4, Polo 2

Quarterscores:27-25, 34-35, 78-69, 112-100. - EBV