M. Lhuillier battles Alaska at USC gym

CEBU, Philippines - After playing four exhibition matches against formidable rivals in just one-week span, the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños brace for another tough challenge as they go up against the Alaska Aces in another two-part goodwill encounter beginning today at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

Living up to their lofty billing as the country’s best commercial ballclub, the Niños of team owner Michel J. Lhuillier and head coach Raul “Yayoy split both their two-game series against the Smart Gilas Philippine Team and the Talk N’ Talk Tropang Texters.

Against the PBA visitors, Talk ‘N Txt drew first blood, 87-79, but the Niños, drawing all-around performance from versatile import Jason Forte, whipped back at the Tropang Texters, 99-95, in the second game.

The Niños hope to ride on the momentum of that stunning victory when they square off against the Aces, who advanced into the KFC PBA Philippine Cup but was eventually sweep by Purefoods TJ Giants, 4-0, in their best-of-seven finals series.

The Aces of coach Tim Coach are definitely out for revenge as they were dumped by 20 points by M. Lhuillier, 75-55, the last time they fought on September 4 last year.

At that time though, some of Alaska’s top guns were out of commission such as Willie Miller, John Ferriols, Joe Devance and Brandon Cablay.

The other Alaska stars to watch out for include Reynel Hugnatan, LA Tenorio, Larry Fonacier, Mark Borboran, Sonny Thoss, Jeffrey Cariaso and Tony de la Cruz.

Now that Alaska is coming back with a complete lineup beefed up by a 6-foot-6 import that is yet to be known, the Niños are definitely in for one big war.

Thus, Forte and the likes of Bruce Dacia, Stephen Padilla, Abby Santos, Mark Ababon and Woodrow Enriquez should work doubly hard as they seek to slay another PBA giant.

The other reliables in Alcoseba’s offensive arsenal are Marlon Basco, Ariel Mepaña, Ian Saladaga, Mark Magsumbol, Nat Cruz, Hafer Mondragon, Franklin Nailon and Mario Basco.

Tomorrow, M. Lhuillier and Alaska will collide anew, this time in faraway north at the Don Celestino Memorial Sports Complex in Bogo City. – EBV (FREEMAN NEWS)