Lhullier beats Dazz, 80-75, to bag MVBA title

M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Jewelers beat Dazz 'Sang Patak Kitchen Specialists, 80-75, to bag the 1st Talk 'N Text Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Invitational tournament title at the New Cebu Coliseum in Cebu City. In a statement made on Friday, the league said the winner-take-all finale staged on Thursday evening was mobbed by the biggest crowd in years at the New Cebu Coliseum, as the local basketball fans supported the Jewelers who enjoyed their biggest lead of the game midway in the third period, 51-39. But the Kitchen Specialists rallied back behind the sterling performances of Reed Friar Juntilla, Ardy Larong, and Larry Rodriguez to enter the final period just a point behind at 56-57. Dazz even took the lead on a three-point shot by at 59-57. But after that, the Jewelers stepped on the gas and zoomed ahead for good as Stephen Padilla hit a triple followed by two free-throws by Jett Latonio. Danny Aying, the former Barangay Ginebra player, was chosen as the tournament's Most Valuable Player due to his consistent game that gave him an 11.3 points per game average. The Burger King Whoppers salvaged a third place finish with a 78-56 triumph over the Hotel Fortuna Firefly, 78-56. Scores Battle for third Burger King (78): Dizon 15, Quinahan 10, Mendoza 10, Buenafe 10, Devance 8, David 6, Te 6, Bravo 4, Urbiztondo 3, Saguindel 2, Garrido 2, Aquino 2 Hotel Fortuna Firefly (56): Marata 12, Cabili 8, Kalaw 6, Go 4, Saladaga 4, Ayodele 4, Matias 4, Cruz 4, Hardin 2, Gatchalian 2, Guiyab 2, Mangahas 2, Santa Cruz 2 Quarter scores: 17-9, 35-19, 52-40, 78-56 Battle for the title M. Lhullier-Cebu (80): Gudez 14, Enriquez 13, Latonio 12, Padilla 11, Aying 11, Torion 5, Piodo 4, Rodriguez 4, Bat-og 4, Caputolan 2, Manigo 0, Mepana 0 Dazz (75): Lanete 20, Juntilla 18, Rodriguez 12, Larong 5, Sanz 7, Almacin 7, Belga 5, Bucao 1, Moreno 0, Butel 0, Mercado 0, Alonzo 0 Quarter scores: 16-15, 35-32, 57-56, 80-75