M. Lhuillier registers seventh win in MVBA

Powerhouse M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Jewelers raced to their seventh consecutive win at the expense of Cebu Landmaster-Toledo, 73-58, and remained on top of the Visayas Division in the ML Kwarta Padala Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) First Conference at the Pinamungajan Sports Complex south of Cebu.

Known for their high-octane offense, the Jewelers this time used tight defense to put away their opponents, limiting the Landmasters to only 11 markers in the pivotal third period to extend their nine-point edge at the half, 44-35, to a 19-point bulge, 65-46, entering the final period.

Gunners Stephen Padilla and Jayford Rodriguez tossed in two triples each during the Jewelers' crucial third period run.

M. Lhuillier coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba then ordered his players to slow down the tempo and tighten further their defense in the final canto, thus giving M. Lhuillier the best record in the tournament backed by ML Kwarta Padala, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Nature's Spring Drinking Water, Molten, Panasonic and Sulpicio Lines.

With their seventh win, the Jewelers are assured of the top seeding in the Visayas Division semifinals, while Toledo stayed at second spot with a 4-2 record.

Padilla and Rodriguez topped M. Lhuillier with 15 points each. Ariel Mepana added 12.

Leo Bat-og paced Toledo with 15 followed by Carlos Sayon with 10.

Visayas Division action continues today, with the reigning National Students champion West Negros College Mustangs of BAP Region VI Director Anthony Agustin making their home debut at the Talisay City Gymnasium against the Mantawi Traders of mayor Thadeo Ouano and coach Eddie Ybañez.

The Mustangs will try to get back at the Traders, who beat them last April 21 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex, 82-55.

The scores

M. Lhuillier-Cebu (73) - Padilla 15, Rodriguez 15, Mepana 12, Ramirez 8, Llanto 6, Enriquez 6, Caputolan 4, Aying 3, Manigo 2, Tangarorang 2 Toledo (58) - Bat-og 15, Sayon 10, Huelar 7, Saladaga 5, Cainglet 4, Ursal 4, Mangubat 3, Canoneo 3, Villamor 3, Paraiso 2, Gabas 2 Quarterscores:17-18, 44-35, 65-46, 73-58