CEBU, Philippines - New name, new brand of game.
The Petron Blazers, formerly the San Miguel Beermen, impressively dismantled an 18-point deficit in the second period to turn back the reigning Liga Pilipinas champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, 94-90, in their goodwill encounter the other night at the Cebu Coliseum.
Although not yet the real test for them, the Arwind Santos-led Blazers somehow showed to their Cebuano fans that they are back in fighting form after a dismal showing in the PBA Commissioner's Cup.
It was not a smooth-sailing journey to victory though for the Blazers.
In a rather rough and physical game, the Niños were in control in the early goings, coasting to a 15-point advantage at halftime, 54-39.
But Petron of coach Ato Agustin charged back with savvy in the second half to whittle the deficit down to a manageable six points, 77-82, midway in the fourth period.
The two protagonists figured in an intense shootfest in the closing minutes of the contest, with the Blazers launching a barrage of triples that was countered by Niños' triggermen in Felix Belano and Jayford Rodriguez.
The Blazers enjoyed their first taste of lead, 91-88, on Joseph Yeo's three-point play, but Abby Santos reduced it to a one point deficit after converting a running hook shot, 90-91.
After Hubalde split his charities, the Niños had a chance to retake the lead but Ian Saladaga muffed a 3-point attempt in the last 18 seconds of the match.
That miss was so costly for the M. Lhuillier-backed crew as in the ensuing play, Petron made a fast-break play that was completed by Arwind Santos with an electrifying two-hander slam to the delight of spectators.
The scores
Petron (94) – Santos 21, Yeo 20, Washington 14, Al-Hussaini 8, Tugade 6, Hubalde 6, Pennissi 5, Duncil 4, Cabagnut 3, Guevarra 3, Ildefonso 2, Miranda 2
M.Lhuillier (90) – Saladaga 16, Santos 15, Rodriguez 15, Dacia 14, Cruz 10, Belano 7, Baguion 6, Nailon 4, Padilla 2, Abadia 1
Quarterscores:21-25; 39-54; 66-76; 94-90. – THE FREEMAN