Capati lifts MLKP past MisOr, 76-75 in Game 1

Game on December 14 - New Cebu Coliseum
5:30PM M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City vs. Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr
(MVBA Finals, Game Two)

CAGAYAN DE ORO --- Ronald Capati hit a three-point shot from top of the key with nine seconds left to lift defending champion M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu City past Holcim Pryce Pharma-MisOr, 76-75, and take Game One of the 2007 Mindanao Visayas Basketball Association (MVBA) Second Conference Finals Wednesday evening at the Xavier University Gym.

Both teams then called their final timeouts. MisOr guard Anton Villoria drove strong to the hoop and with the defense collapsing on him dished off to an open Nat Cruz beneath the goal. Suddenly, Marlon Basco came from nowhere to block Cruz’ twisting shot to preserve the win.

M. Lhuillier averted another late game collapse. Erecting their biggest lead, 72-62, with still five minutes to play, M. Lhuillier allowed MisOr to unload 13 unanswered points capped by back-to-back baskets by Cruz with 1:44 left and MisOr ahead, 75-72.

Woodrow Enriquez managed to eke in a free throw at the 1:33 mark to close in, 73-75. A failed MisOr offensive led to Capati’s game-winning heroics. "I put a lot of heart in the shot," said Capati who ripped off his jersey at the buzzer in celebration. "I popped out and got the ball from Woodrow and then saw my defender (Cruz) far away and the shot clock running so I decided to take it." The College of Saint Benilde alumnus finished with nine points.

Game Two of the series is scheduled on Friday at the New Cebu Coliseum with M. Lhuillier of Michel Lhuillier and Coach Raul Alcoseba gunning for their third MVBA championship in four conferences of the league sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (BAP-SBP) and supported by ML Kwarta Padala, Nature’s Spring, Accel, Reva Sandals, Gameface.Ph and Nike Basketball. If needed, Game Three will be on December 15, still at the Coliseum.

Bruce Dacia led M. Lhuillier with 16 points followed by Enriquez with 14. Cruz paced MisOr with 20 followed by Villoria with 18. MisOr sorely missed the services of Mindanao MVP Lowell Briones who sat out the game with a fever.

MisOr of Gov. Oscar Moreno and Coach Bong Abad has a tough but attainable task ahead of them. Meeting in last year’s Second Conference finals, MisOr stole Game Two in Cebu, 96-84, after losing Game One at XU, 87-75. M. Lhuillier however hung on to claim Game Three and the championship, 79-71.

Meanwhile, the MVBA Christmas Tournament’s opening has been moved forward a day to December 17, still at the Coliseum. Confirmed to join are M. Lhuillier, MisOr, Cebu Landmaster-Mandaue, Arthro Kontra Arthritis-Cebu and guest teams from Pagadian City and Tagaytay City. The tournament will run until December 21.

How They Scored:

M. LHUILLIER-CEBU (76) - Dacia 16, Enriquez 14, Gatumbato 10, Capati 9, Padilla 8, Cavan 8, Basco 4, Rodriguez 3, Caputolan 2, Latonio 2, Aying 0, Bat-og 0.

HOLCIM PRYCE-MISOR (75) - Cruz 20, Villoria 18, Tagupa 11, Moreño 10, Abadia 7, Nailon 7, Sevilla 2, Apepe 0, Concha 0, Numeran 0, Sanchez 0, Jabagat 0.

Period Scores: 22-20, 42-36, 59-52, 76-75.(Anthony E. Servinio)