Oil Masters, Jewellers assured of final berths

CEBU — Spring Cooking Oil and M. Lhuillier scored contrasting victories Tuesday to virtually assure themselves of final slots in the CBL (Cebu Basketball League) Invitational Cup tournament at the Cebu Coliseum here.

Coach Tito Palma’s Cooking Oil Masters blasted the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, 89-63, while the Jewellers subdued the University of the Visayas Green Lancers, 97-94.

It was the third straight win for Spring Cooking Oil and M. Lhuillier in the six-team tourney.

Even if they drop their two remaining games, the Cooking Oil Masters and the Jewellers are almost certain to dispute the title for the third time this year.

"The boys are doing a good job. They’ve worked hard to put themselves in top shape and their efforts are paying off," noted Spring team owner and national shooting champion Nathaniel "Tac" Padilla.

The Cooking Oil Masters opened a huge 49-36 halftime lead and never looked back.