NBL action returns to Ozamiz today

OZAMIZ CITY — National Basketball League (NBL) action returns to this city today with the top two teams–Cebu’s M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala and MayniLA–going up against separate rivals in a doubleheader at the Gov. Angel Medina Sr. Memorial gym.

Lhuillier coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba has added veterans Ruben dela Rosa and Bruce Dacia to his roster in a bid to improve the Cebuanos’ frontrunning 5-1 win-loss record when they meet Air Philippines-Bacolod at 4 p.m.

MayniLA, second with a 7-2 card, is expected to lean on NBL scoring leader Ernani Epondulan, Francis Sanz and Ralph Rivera when it goes up against host Compak Shineway in the main game at 6 p.m.

Compak Shineway and M. Lhuillier are both coming off 25-day lulls in the tourney supported by Tanduay Rhum, Air Philippines, Cebu Ferries, Nature’s Spring Drinking Water, SuperCat, BJ Star Logistics, Panasonic, Sinners and Saints, The Freeman, Jaguar KTV, Gatorade and Molten Basketballs.

Today’s twinbill as well as tomorrow’s games pitting AirPhil against MayniLA at 1 p.m. and Compak Shineway against M. Lhuillier at 3 are Mayor Reynaldo Parojinog’s offerings to his constituents, who are celebrating the city fiesta.

Meanwhile, AirPhil power forward Bernard de Guia was recently named Player of the Week for the period June 30 to July 6.

De Guia, a veteran of five teams in the defunct MBA, had 16 points, 12 rebounds and one steal as he powered AirPhil past Spring Cooking Oil, 83-80, last July 4 at the Gov. Bren Guiao Convention Center in Pampanga.