Saturday, March 01, 2008 M. Lhuillier to play against Barangay Ginebra
AFTER testing their game against the Talk ‘N Text Phone Pals, Cebu’s winningest ball club M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers will challenge the Philippine Basketball Association’s (PBA) most popular ball club, the Barangay Ginebra Kings, this Monday, March 3 at 6:30 p.m. at the Cebu Coliseum.
“It has been confirmed, Ginebra Kings will be coming to play an exhibition game against M. Lhuillier on March 3. This is an exciting ball game since we will be facing the most popular team in the PBA,” said M. Lhuillier coach Raul Alcoseba during the press conference called yesterday at the Yayoy’s Grill and Resto Bar.
The Kings will be the Jewelers fourth opponent from the pros.
The Jewelers played Sta. Lucia Realtors in August 2006, the San Miguel Beermen in a charity match in September of the same year and Talk ‘N Text last Feb. 22.
“We are thankful to the PBA for allowing these teams to play exhibition games in Cebu. Aside from giving the Cebuanos a very good basketball entertainment, we can also earn funds for our regional projects of the BAP-SBP. That is the main reason PBA is very supportive of our cause,” said Alcoseba, who is also the regional chief of the BAP-SBP.
But with the very strong and tall Ginebra line-up, Alcoseba is looking for somebody who can reinforce his team against the very strong Kings.
“I am currently negotiating for a reinforcement that can help our cause. We wanted to give a good fight but with our current line-up we really lacked the ceiling,” Alcoseba said.
The Gin Kings, coached by Jong Uichico, will be parading John Billy Mamaril, Rafi Reavis, Macky Escalona, Anthony “Jayjay” Helterbrand, Johnny Abarrientos, Paul Anthony Artadi, Mark Macapagal, Eric Menk, J. R. Aquino, Michael Holper, Mark Caguioa, Ronald Tubid, Sunday Salvacion and Gilbert Lao.
As expected, diminutive guard Woodrow Enriquez, Stephen Padilla, Bruce Dacia and Marlon Basco will lead the fight for the Jeweler Dale Singson, Jayford Rodriguez, Ron Capati, Enrico Llanto and Danny Aying will provide support while inaugural Cesafi MVP Jerry Cavan is expected to give an outbreak performance after he faltered against the Phone Pals.
Tickets are now on sale at the Cebu Coliseum at P300 for the ringside, P200 for the lower box, P100 for the upper box and P30 for the general admission. RCM
