M. Lhuillier hits back at Gilas

Source: Philippine Star
CEBU, Philippines - The M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños wasted away a 20-point lead in the third quarter, but toiled hard when it mattered most to scrape through a 79-76 victory and get even with the Smart Gilas Team Pilipinas in their two-day exhibition match before a sizeable crowd last night at the Cebu Coliseum.

After closing the first half with a buzzer-beating triple, streak-shooter Stephen Padilla opened the third period with another 3-point bomb to give the Niños of team owner Michel J. Lhuillier and coach Raul “Yayoy” D. Alcoseba their largest lead at 46-26.

That huge advantage, however, suddenly disappeared as the Nationals of Serbian coach Rajko Toroman suddenly turned red-hot and whipped up a furious 28-7 rally to briefly snatch the driver’s seat, 54-53, their first since getting off to a 6-3 start.

After a 54-all standoff going into the final canto, the two protagonists figured in an intense hardcourt battle that left the large throng of spectators holding their breath until the final buzzer.

Smart Gilas could only tie the score at 65-all at the spirited M. Lhuillier stalwarts bravely guarded at lead five points edge, the last was at 76-71 with 36 seconds left to play.

At that point, the Niños nearly flirted with disaster after import Jason Dixon was whistled for a technical foul for throwing the ball at Barroca.

In that swing though, Gilas could only make two points on Barroca’s free throw as they commited a costly miscue in their possession.

Smart Gilas, showing the courage and fortitude that made them worthy to fight for the flag and country in major international competitions and hopefully in the 2012 London Olympics, threatened for the last time at 76-77 on Casio’s trey with only four second to go.

In the ensuing sequence, Dixon was quickly fouled by Greg Slaughter and the former NCAA star and one-time PBA import calmly deliver the goods to give M. Lhuillier a 79-76 cushion.

Still, Smart Gilas has a chance to square the count, but Casio, who found an open spot from the right wing, misfired his 3-point attempt, with Ariel Mepaña securing the ball as the final buzzer honked, leaving the entire M. Lhuillier bench and their legion of fans to burst into frenzied celebration.

Padilla exploded with 21 points, Bruce Dacia added 19 and Dixon finished with 15 points for the Niños, who will face next PBA’s Talk N’ Txt Phone Pals on March 8 to 9 at the Cebu Coliseum.

Afterwhich, the Niños will take on the Brgy. Ginebra Kings on March 12 at the USC-Main Gym.

The Scores:

M.Lhuillier-Cebu (79) - Padilla 21, Dacia 19, Dixon 15, Mepana 8, Santos 4, Saladaga 4, Basco 3, Ababon 2, Enriquez 2

RP Gilas (76) –Baracael 15, Barroca 13, Lassiter 10, Casio 9, Abubou 9, Ballesteros 7, Aguilar 7, Tui 4

Quarters: 22-10, 43-26, 54-54, 79-76