M. Lhuillier arranges title clash vs Forward Taguig

CEBU CITY — M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala showed consistency and character throughout for a rousing 74-59 victory over Compak-Shineway-Ozamiz City yesterday to claim the other finals seat in the first NBL National Championship at the New Cebu Coliseum here.

Six-foot-four Jessie Lumantas emerged the surprise package as he unleashed 19 points and grabbed six rebounds, including four straight baskets that gave Cebuanos’ the needed firepower.

With the win, M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala arranged a best-of-three championship series against Forward Taguig starting at 7 p.m.

Forward Taguig earlier swept its best-of-three semifinals showdown against Pampanga Bulls to claim the first finals berth of this tournament sponsored by Tanduay Rhum, Air Philippines, PCSO, Panasonic, Burlington, Cebu Ferries, SuperCat, Gatorade, Nature’s Spring Drinking Water, BJ Star Logistics, The Freeman, Sinners and Saints, Jaguar KTV and Molten Basketball and telecast over IBC-13 through the facilities of Silverstar Communications Inc. with replays over Destiny’s Prime Channel 61.

Compak-Shineway-Ozamiz City and Pampanga Bulls, on the other hand, were declared co-third placers.

It was the second championship appearance for the Cebuanos since losing the NBL Regional crown to Ozamiz City last March.

"It’s a sweet revenge. We made big adjustments following our 75-76 setback to Ozamiz the other night, especially against their (Ozamiz) zone defense. The plan was more like a double barrel gun. Once they focused on our shooter on one side, we take the shot from the other side," said M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba.

Ozamiz came close, 25-31, midway the second quarter but Lumantas proved an effective decoy for Bruce Dacia as he ignited a 12-1 blast that installed M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala’s 43-26 halftime advantage.

Lumantas turned more ferocious in the third quarter where he unleashed four straight baskets that stretched the gap to a biggest 56-35 margin. The Cebuanos never looked back from then and the closest Ozamiz could get to was at 52-68 with 2:03 remaining in the game.

"The play was really intended for Lumantas. I really want him to regain his confidence since he will be a big help against the much taller Forward Taguig in the finals. He really proved himself and delivered what I asked of him," Alcoseba added.

Arnold Rodriguez chipped in 10 points as M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu not only scored 13 points on offensive rebounds but likewise translated Compak-Shineway-Ozamiz’ 27 turnovers into 27 points.

Only Boyet Guerrero scored in double digits for Ozamiz with 10 points and nine rebounds but neither was he a big help as he emerged the most erratic in the team with eight turnovers.

The scores:

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu 74 — Lumantas 19, Rodriguez 10, Ocanada 9, Dacia 8, De la Rosa 7, Caputolan 6, Smith 5, Manigo 4, Enriquez 3, Arano 2, Canoneo 1, Cantona 0, Aying 0.

Compak Shineway-Ozamiz 59 — Guerrero 10, Sampilo 9, Cabrera 8, Jaca 8, Misola 7, Ferraren 5, Cabigkis 4, Cortez 2, Alvarado 2, Marucot 2, Mejia 2, Libatog 0, Delina 0.

Quarterscores: 24-13; 43-26; 57-41; 74-59