M. Lhuillier eyes revenge versus Mantawi in MVBA

Revenge is on top of M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala's agenda when the Jewelers battle Cebu Landmaster-Mantawi in grudge rematch tonight in the ML Kwarta Padala Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Second Conference at the Cebu Coliseum.

Gametime is set at 6:30 pm.

The Jewelers of businessman/sportsman Michel Lhuillier are aching to lash back at the Landmasters of realtor Joe Soberano, who dealt them with a 79-83 beating during the Visayas Division opener last October 19 at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

Former pro standout Dale Singson was instrumental for the Cebu Landmaster's upset of the undisputed king of Cebu commercial hoopdom.

However, things will be entirely different for Cebu Landmaster without Singson, who yesterday signed a one-year, P1.5M million contract with the Alaska Aces in the PBA.

"Singson is truly a big loss for us because we really need his leadership to guide this team," said Cebu Landmaster chief bench tactician Leoncio "Jun" Tan, Jr.

"But we have to move on. I don't want my players to lose confidence in themselves and think that we have no fighting chance anymore just because Singson is no longer with us. I emphasized to them that basketball is a team game. That's why I encouraged my other pointguards to step up. This is a big break for them to show what they've got," Tan added.

Following the exit of Singson, Tan still looks forward with optimism as he acquired the services of explosive center Joseph Ronald "Baby Shaq" Quiñahan, a product of six-time CESAFI champion UV Green Lancers who previously played for Granny Goose Tortillos in the PBL.

"Quiñahan is an added boost not only to our offense but defense as well. I hope he can adjust well to our system," said Tan, whose Cebu Landmaster is still playing against the Talisay City Aquastars as of this writing last night in Mandaue.

Quiñahan is a solid addition to the Cebu Landmaster's frontcourt that is beefed up by 6-foot-7 strongman Joel Solis.

Tan will also bank on his other reliables in the likes of Alex Cainglet, Bernie Ursal, Ian Saladaga, Rex Mangubat, Carlos Sayon, Abe Galinato and Raul Redulosa.

On the other hand, the Jewelers of head coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba gained the needed morale-booster heading into their return bout with Cebu Landmaster after they drained the Talisay City Aquastars, 56-62, on Tuesday night at the Talisay City Sports Complex.

Cat-quick playmaker Woodrow Enriquez is again expected to be at the cornerstone of M. Lhuillier's offense together with Stephen Padilla, Mike Manigo and Jayford Rodriguez.

When their offensive guns misfire, expect Enrico Llanto, Niño Ramirez, Aldrin Ocañada, Alano Caputolan, Danny Aying and Marlon Piodo to take charge of M. Lhuillier's scoring chores.

Meanwhile, a new coach and a new nickname is what the Lanao del Norte Barracudas will bring when they take on the undefeated Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr also at 6:30 pm today at the Xavier University Gym in Cagayan de Oro City.

Still winless in three starts, the newly christened Barracudas of Gov. Imelda Q. Dimaporo announced that they have replaced head coach Chris Pontillas with his assistant Angelito Quidlat.

Brothers Baltazar and Arlo Jueves have been doing their best in carrying the fight for the Barracudas with similar averages of 11.3 points per game.

However, the rest of their teammates have to contribute if they are to tally their breakthrough win in the tournament made possible by ML Kwarta Padala, Nature's Spring Drinking Water, Cokaliong Shipping Lines, Reva Sandals, Gameface.Ph and Nike Basketball.

MisOr of MVBA Chairman Gov. Oscar S. Moreno has simply been on a roll going unscathed in five outings. Coach Rex Salvana gives credit to the sterling play of starting guards Gilbert Demape (14.8ppg) and Bob Cozy Ilanga (16.3ppg) for their current success.