CEBU, Philippines - Bigtime commercial basketball returns as the Cebu pre-season games of the Liga Pilipinas Conference 3 takes off today at the Cebu Coliseum.
Games today (Cebu Coliseum)
5:00 pm MisOr vs. Cebu Landmasters
7:00 pm M. Lhuillier vs. Trace-Laguna Stallions
The multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Jewelers of legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba and team owner Michel J. Lhuillier will once again defend their fort as they square off against the Trace-Laguna Stallions in the main game at 7 pm.
Reigning national champion Hapee/Hanjin-MisOr of Gov. Oscar Moreno and coach Jun Noel will take on the comebacking Cebu Landmasters in the opening match at 5 pm.
The Jewelers underwent a minor buildup by acquiring Richard Ian Saldaga and collegiate standout Eriz Zanoria of Southwestern University (SWU) Cobras to bolster their offensive arsenal.
The likes of Bruce Dacia, Stephen Padilla, Woodrow Enriquez, Abby Santos, and Danny Aying remain at the cornerstone of the Jewelers' campaign to regain their lost crown. They also rely on old reliables in the likes of Mark Jonas Ababon, Gerry Cavan, Marlon Basco, Ariel Mepaña, and Jojo Tangkay.
Although M. Lhuillier wields a homecourt advantage, MisOr is tipped as a heavy title favorite having beaten the Jewelers during the first leg of the pre-season series two weeks ago in Cagayan de Oro City. – EBV (THE FREEMAN)