CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuanos brace for another exciting hardcourt treat as the multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños take on three elite teams from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in a three-day tournament dubbed as Cebu City Mayor's Cup Invitational starting on January 25.
Before they start another campaign in the fouth season of Smart Liga Pilipinas, the Niños, winner of the first ever Tournament of the Philippines (TOP), will be put to test against the Meralco Bolts, Powerade Tigers and the reigning PBA Fiesta Cup titlist Alaska Aces.
“This is a prelude of things to come. Tan-awon nato if makasugakod ba ta or makasustinir ba atong mga bata kontra PBA teams,” said M. Lhuillier's legendary coach Raul “Yayoy” Alcoseba in a press conference yesterday at Yayoy's Grill and Resto Bar. “Hopefully we will have a good game against them.”
In the first day of the explosive show, the Niños will face Meralco in the main game at 7 pm, right after Alaska takes on Powerade in the opener at 5 pm.
The next day, Meralco will face the Aces in the first game followed by the showdown between the Tigers and the Niños.
On the 27th, the Bolts will play against the Tigers, right before the Niños clash with Alaska.
As usual, Alcoseba will bank on his reliable mainstays in the mold of Bruce Dacia, Stephen Padilla, Marlon Basco, Abby Santos and Ariel Mepaña, also the bench fire power of the M.Lhuillier in the mold of Richard Ian Saladaga, Mark Jonas Ababon, Franklin Nailon, Hafer Mondragon, Mark Magsumbol and Eliud Poligrates.
To further beef up his offensive arsenal, Alcoseba hired the services of former Alaska guard Ariel Capuz, Fil-Am Nick Monaco and American import in Jeremy Robinson.
Tickets are priced at P50 for general admission, P150 for upper box, P250 for lower box and P300 for ringside. (FREEMAN)