Cebu, Quezon score in Liga-Manila

MANILA, Philippines - Defending national champion ML Kwarta Padala Cebu whipped MP GenSan, 89-67, while Quezon nipped host Manila, 75-73, in the Manila leg of the Smart Liga Pilipinas Conference II at the San Andres gym.

The Niños, with Marlon Basco and Stephen Padilla on the firing end, rode on a big second quarter run to outscore the GenSan Warriors, 47-30.

From there, the Niños cruised to the victory behind an impressive 46 percent shooting from three-point range, making 11 of 24 attempts. They also limited the Warriors to only 21 percent beyond the arc.

Basco and Padilla combined for seven triples.

Cebu also outrebounded GenSan, 44-33, had more fastbreak points, 21-14, and points off turnover, 19-10, to post the romp.

“We needed this win. The team was coming from a long layoff since we played in Ilocos so we have to get back our form and confidence this week. Luckily, the boys responded,” said Cebu coach Yayoy Alcoseba.

Bruce Dacia led the Niños with 19 points while Basco chipped in 14 points and 13 rebounds. John Gonzaga and Don Mendoza led the Warriors with 18 and 15 points, respectively.