CEBU, Philippines - The Ave Maria Sanctuary Park found a gem in Enrico Llanto, while veteran star Jercules Tangkay provided the much-needed leadership as they strolled past the Asian College of Technology (ACT) Cyber Knights, 78-73, to grab the solo lead in the 1st M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Basketball Association (MLKP-CBA) season at the Cebu Coliseum.
Llanto, a key factor when Ave Maria outscored the Cyber Knights in the final quarter, 26-14, made a living at the post area where he was almost unstoppable and in turn forced the Cyber Knights' big men into foul trouble.
A former USC Warrior, Llanto topscored for Ave Maria withs 25 points. He also shot well from the free throw line where he made 13 out of 18 attempts.
Tangkay, who provided the spark when Ave Maria rallied from a 12-point deficit in the first half, pumped in 24 markers as they cruised to their second straight in in as many starts.
Alano Caputolan led ACT with 13 points. Abe Galinato and Michael Luga added 11 points apiece followed by Robert Villaver with 10 as they fell to 1-1.
The loss spoiled Earn Saguindel's debut with the Cyber Knights. He was a former standout of the University of the East (UE) Red Warriors and was a product of the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons in high school before moving to Manila. (FREEMAN)