MLSDF selection fends off CNHS Black Shama in U-21 caging

The MLSDF selection opened its back-to-back title campaign on a stellar note, carving out a 68-59 victory in come-from-behind fashion over the Consolacion National High School (CNHS) Black Shama at the start of the 6th M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Under-21 Developmental Basketball League at the Consolacion Sports Complex.

Employing tough defense, host Black Shama of coach Dennis Damalerio scored the game’s first six points and used it as a leverage to dictate the tempo of the match from that point on. Black Shama was ahead by eight at halftime, 30-22, and kept a three-point edge, 50-47, going into the final quarter.

However, the Black Shama mainstays suffered a monumental collapse on both ends of the court in the final three-minute mark of the contest, enabling the MLSDF stalwarts to stage a great escape by hitting bigtime shots and crucial fastbreak plays when it mattered most.

A total of 14 teams halved into two groups of seven are taking part in the three-month tilt organized by the M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation though the efforts of its executive director Eddie B. Ybañez.

MLSDF and CNHS Black Shama are under Bracket A together with the Salazar Colleges of Science and Institute of Technology (SCSIT) Baby Skyblazers, Philweb, Athletes for Christ through Excellent Service (ACES), and Southwestern University (SWU) Baby Cobras.

Pooled in Bracket B are the 5th Avenue Telecom, RemEMBER, Jeff Pharma, University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, Mabolo Christian Academy, Ave Maria Sanctuary Park, and Mandaue City Stallions.

The champion will receive P5,000, while the second and third placers will get P3,000 and P2,000, respectively. The prizes will be donated to charitable institutions of the winners’ choice.

The scores

MLSDF (68) - Villanil 13, Ferraren 11, Tabalin 8, Bucayan 8. R. Cabahug 8, Dabuco 7, Oteda 5, Sebial 4, Panerio 2, Banate 2

CNHS (59) - Linao 14, Malagar 9, Jabla 7, Tibalan 7, Ropal 6, Bacang 4, Najarro 4, Cadampog 4, De la Torre 2, Conde 2

Quarterscores;9-14, 22-30, 47-50, 68-59 – EBV