Ave Maria advances into q'final of MLKP U-21 hoop

CEBU - The Ave Maria Sanctuary Park mercilessly demolished the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 109-67, to advance into the quarterfinal round of the 6th M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Under-21 Developmental Basketball League at the Consolacion Sports Complex.

Ave Maria of coach Marlon Piodo will face next the twice-to-beat 5th Avenue Telecom of coach Marvin Felicis tomorrow night for a semifinal berth.

It was a close battle at the onset, but the Ave Maria cagers suddenly turned red-hot and exploded with a 15-0 bang to close the first half with a commanding 21-point advantage, 52-31.

From there onwards, Ave Maria kept on pounding the hapless Baby Panthers at will on the way to a 42-point massacre.

The three-month tilt is organized by M. Lhuillier Sports Development Foundation (MLSDF) executive director and multi-titled coach Eddie B. Ybañez. The cash prizes and part of the tournament proceeds will be donated to charitable institutions of the winners’ choice. — EBV (THE FREEMAN)