M. Lhuillier zaps Alaska anew

CEBU, Philippines - Among the regular PBA visitors here in Cebu, it seems that the Alaska Aces are the favorite whipping boys of the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala.

Game Today

(USC-Main gym)

5 pm

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala vs. B-Meg Derby Ace

Last night, the M. Lhuillier Jewelers repeated its mastery over Alaska, hacking out a resounding 93-82 victory over the reigning PBA Fiesta Conference champion in their exhibition match at the University of San Carlos (USC)-Main gym.

The win, M. Lhuillier's third in four meetings against the Uytengsu-owned franchise this year, was a fitting morale-booster as the Jewelers of team owner Michel J. Lhuillier and legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba faces a tougher mission against the James Yap-led B-Meg Derby Ace Llamados at 5:00 this afternoon still at the USC gym.

As in their previous encounters, M. Lhuillier dictated the tempo of the game and was in full command after taking a 24-15 lead at the end of the first period.

After M. Lhuillier posted a commanding 56-37 advantage with just a minute gone by in the third period, the Aces of coach Tim Cone couldn't do nothing to even just trim the deficit down to a single digit.

Bruce Dacia, who was hitting at will on all angles, cashed in 24 points, even as three others dished out twin figures. Marlon Basco added 15 points, while Ian Saladaga and Nathaniel Cruz connived for 24 markers for the Jewelers, whose biggest lead stood at 20 points - the last was at 89-69 on Froilan Baguion's basket at the final 3:38 of the contest.

Joe Devance topped Alaska with 16 points followed by Tony de la Cruz with 14. Cyrus Baguio scattered 13 points in his first hardcourt showing under the Aces' uniform.

The scores

M. Lhuillier (93) - Dacia 24, Basco 15, Saladaga 13, Cruz 11, Padilla 8, Nailon 8, Baguion 5, Poligrates 5, Santos 4,

Alaska (82) - Devance 19, De la Cruz 14, Baguio 13, Eman 10, Tenorio 7, Espiritu 6, Custodio 6, Soto 3, Robinson 3, Borboran 3

Quarterscores:24-15, 46-34, 75-58, 93-82 (FREEMAN)