Saturday, September 29, 2007 M. Lhuillier faces GenSan team
DIGOS CITY - Defending champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City continues its tour of Mindanao when they travel to Digos City to face the MP Warriors-GenSan tonight at the Digos City Stadium in the 2007 Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Second Conference.
The multi-titled Jewelers of Michel Lhuillier and Coach Raul Alcoseba were playing Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr at press time the other night at the Xavier University Gym. From there, they will take an eight-hour land trip.
In their first meeting last Sept. 18, the Jewelers crushed the Warriors of boxing idol Manny Pacquiao and Coach Ramon Pido, 83-66, at the New Cebu Coliseum.
For today, Coach Pido reminded his players not to be intimidated by M. Lhuillier’s star-studded line-up. Jayford Rodriguez was the lone M. Lhuillier player in double-figures in their previous encounter with 12 points but ten of his teammates scored at least five points to underscore their balanced attack.
Expected to figure prominently today are Woodrow Enriquez, Bruce Dacia and Marlon Basco.
After the win over the Warriors, the Jewelers lost the Cebu Landmaster-Mandaue, 81-83, for an even 1-1 win-loss record.
The Warriors currently tote a 1-2 record.
The Warriors also lost to Landmaster, 78-80, but won over Arthro Kontra Arthritis, 74-67, as part of their three-game tour of Cebu to open the tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) and supported by ML Kwarta Padala, Nature’s Spring, Sulpicio Lines, Cokaliong Shipping, Accel, Gameface.Ph, Reva Sandals and Nike Basketball.
On the other hand, the Jewelers hope to quickly shake off the effects of their long drive to Digos and repeat their mastery over the Warriors.
Rolly Menor has been the hottest Warrior by averaging 20.3 points in their first three games. Coach Pido hopes to get more help for Menor from center Arian Daja and guard Roderick Ramos. He also hopes Louie Medalla, Jeffy Locsin and Apol Coronado break out from their personal slumps.
M. Lhuillier will finish its Mindanao trip with a game against the Duterte Davao Agilas tomorrow at the Almendras Gym in Davao City. (PR)
