That was the story of the latest conquest of Cebu's legendary basketball team, the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City Jewelers of longtime patron Michel J. Lhuillier and Coach Raul "Yayoy" Alcoseba as they ruled the First Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Governor Oscar Moreno Cup recently at the Xavier University gym here.
Overall, the Jewelers lost only once to host Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr of MVBA Chairman Governor Oscar S. Moreno during the classification round, 80-85. But the Jewelers bounced back to win the game that mattered the most and took revenge on MisOr in the finale, 72-67.
A day earlier, the Jewelers survived the tough challenge of guest team Pagadian City in the crossover semifinals, 93-80.
Coach Alcoseba had only nine players at his disposal, led by eventual tournament Most Valuable Player Woodrow Enriquez, Stephen Padilla, Michael Manigo, Danny Aying, Marlon Piodo, Alano Caputolan, Troy Mercader, Aldrin Ocanada and Jett Latonio. Piodo (shoulder), Enriquez (shoulder) and Aying (neck) played with nagging injuries thus hampering their efficiency.
Enrico Llanto and Nino Ramirez were tied up with their midterm exams and varsity commitments at San Carlos while big man Ariel Mepana was not cleared to play as he was still recuperating from a serious knee injury incurred during last June's MVBA First Conference Finals. In addition, First Conference MVP Jayford Rodriguez left to try his luck in the Manila-based PBL.
Coach Alcoseba had no recourse but to dig deep into his vast championship experience and conjure up a battle plan despite the limited manpower.
Five of the nine Jewelers averaged double figures. Enriquez topped the team with 17.0 points per game (PPG) followed by Padilla with 15.0 PPG. Also submitting double digits scores were Latonio (12.0 PPG), Mercader (11.0 PPG) and Ocanada (10.6 PPG). The biggest revelation was Mercader, who rarely saw court time during his M. Lhuillier debut in the 2006 MVBA Second Conference. The former San Carlos varsity star exploded for 21 points in M. Lhuillier's blowout of the Lanao Royals of Gov. Imelda Q. Dimaporo in the classification round, 97-77.
As offense hugged the limelight, defense played an equally big role in the Jewelers' title run. Entering the final game, MisOr had an output of 92.0 PPG. M. Lhuillier went on to limit their foes to a measly 67 markers!
After the successful staging of the Governor Moreno Cup, the MVBA continues its preparations for its second season by holding the Cebu City Charter Cup starting February 19 at the New Cebu City Coliseum. Selected MVBA squads will dispute the title along with a guest team or two from Metro Manila.
Meanwhile, the much-awaited 20th Anniversary Reunion of the M. Lhuillier Jewelers will push through on February 24. Past and present Jewelers are expected to converge in Cebu led by certified superstars Samboy Lim and Jojo Lastimosa.
