M. Lhuillier captures CBL title

CEBU CITY – Aldrin Ocanada sank a pressure-packed triple in the dying seconds to lift M. Lhuillier over ML Kuarta Padala, 86-84, and capture the Cebu Basketball League (CBL) Crunchtime crown on Saturday at the New Cebu Coliseum.

Down by one with only three-tenths of a second remaining, Ocanada picked up the loose ball and threw a prayer from top of the key.

The ball bounced back on the rim twice before holing in, momentarily putting the ML Kuarta in shock while the Jewelers were jumping and exchanging high fives in jubilation.

Ocanada, a burly power forward, was not actually set up for the three-point shot. He was fielded in by coach Yayoy Alcoseba as an option inside the paint or perimeter because he knew that the Cash Forwarders are expecting an outside shot.

But Ocanada, who topscored with his 20 points, saw the opportunity and turned the garbage into gold.

"This is the kind of game the Cebuano fans really love – a fight to the finish. The CBL will be more inspired to put up more basketball tournaments in Visayas because the sport remains popular here," said CBL president Jonathan Guardo.

Six teams from various parts of the country saw action in this tourney supported by Osaka Iridology and M. Lhuillier Pawnshop.

In the battle for third place, Forward Taguig defeated North Cotabato of Gov. Manny Piñol, 107-92