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The multi-titled M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Ninos gave Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) squad Coca-Cola Tigers all they got but faded at crunchtime to lose, 79-83, in their exhibition game yesterday at the Cebu Coliseum.
Man-mountain Asi Taulava imposed his dominating presence inside the shaded lane as the 6-foot-9 Fil-Tongan registered 11 of his 13 points in the fourth canto including a nifty assist to Larry Rodriguez that sealed the Tigers? win
The Ninos fell behind by six in the early goings but turned their game up a notch as they buried four three-pointers to seize the lead, 22-20, after the first quarter. Taulava then anchored an 8-0 run capped by two three-pointers by rookie wingman Francis Allera for the Tigers? 41-36 lead at halftime.
M. Lhuillier grabbed the lead back, 43-41, with seven unanswered points at the onset of the second half but Coke retaliated with a fiery, 10-0 run sparked by PBA 3rd pick Chris Ross, who sank six straight points, to help the Tigers erect a 51-43 lead.
The Ninos gamely put up a fight in the final stretch and last tasted the lead at 72-71, after a basket by Marlon Basco. But the Tigers were not to be denied as Taulava sank three straight points and point guard Alex Cabagnot made a three-pointer to put them up by four, 77-73. M. Lhuillier last threatened at, 76-79 but Taulava found Rodriguez inside for an undergoal stab with 1:10 left in the match, that snapped the wind out of the Ninos' sails.
Four other players scored in twin digits for Coke with Ricky Calimag scoring 11 and Ross, Rodriguez and Cabagnot adding 10 each. Basco had 21 points while Dacia contributed 12 markers for the Niños.
BOX SCORES:
Coke (83) Taulava 13, Calimag 11, Ross 10, Cabagnot 10, Rodriguez 10, Allera 8, Gonzales 7, Cruz 6, Bono 4, Macapagal 4
M. Lhuillier (79) Basco 21, Dacia 12, Santos 9, Enriquez 8, Mepana 8, Saladaga 6, Padilla 6, Ybanez 7, Magsumbol 2.
