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The Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) Legends relived the glories of days past as they battled the former Liga national champios M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños to an 80-all standoff in their exhibition match last night at the Cebu Coliseum.
The PBA stars came back from an eight-point deficit in the final period and even held the lead in the final seconds before settling for the tie. Since the match was just an exhibition game, no overtime session was played.
Vergel Meneses and Joey Santamaria were the topscorer for the PBA veterans with 14 points each. Bruce Dacia had 20 to lead M. Lhuillier.
The PBA legends got off to a quick start as they were on top, 11-5, after a basket by Jerry Codinera. But the Niños, who are gearing up for their stint in the Super Leg of the Liga Pilipinas Conference 3, came roaring back and sank four three-pointers in the period to come away with a 29-24 lead after the opening canto.
The PBA legends came right back at the Niños behind the quarterbacking of Ronnie Magsanoc and the low-post effectiveness of Bong Hawkins, and led 39-35 before ending the half with a 46-42 lead.
The Niños came out of the break with renewed energy as they rode the hot shooting of Ian Saladaga, Bruce Dacia and Abby Santos in a 17-5 salvo that put them on top 65-57.
They maintained that lead at 72-64 before the PBA legends responded with a sizzling 13-3 run of their own that gave them back the lead, 77-75, after a three-point shot by Magsanoc, with just 1:33 left in the game.
Dacia tied the match at 77-all with a jumper but Meneses completed a three-point play that put his team in the driver's seat, 80-77, with 56 ticks left in the game.
Ninos' guard Mark Ababon then converted on three free-throws in the waning seconds of the game to tie the count and end the exciting match.
