Lhuillier, ML Kuarta score anew; Forex up

CEBU City — Host teams M. Lhuillier and ML Kuarta Padala rolled to their second straight win even as the visiting Forex Forwarders from Manila bounced back from their opening-day loss in the Cebu Basketball League’s (CBL) Crunchtime at the Cebu Coliseum here.

Ramil Ferma topscored with 22 points and Aldrin Ocanada logged all of his 16 points in a third-quarter breakaway as M. Lhuillier thumped Montana Pawnshop, 109-73, while Kuarta Padala relied on a fiery 25-4 run to crush Forward Taguig, 100-85.

Bong Marata, Gabriel Maloloy-on and Champion Canoneo contributed 11 points apiece for M. Lhuillier which is bracing for a tough fight against ex-pro-laden Forex squad in its next outing.

In stark contrast was the Forex Forwarders’ closed 101-98 decision over North Cotabato in the other contest.

Johnnedel Cardel scored 33 points to lead the Forwarders but it was Gilbert Castillo’s fastbreak lay-up in the closing seconds that mattered most, breaking a 98-all standoff and completing the win.