M. Lhuillier faces Meralco today Alaska takes on Powerade to start Cebu City Mayor's Cup Invitational

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebuano hoop buffs are set witness slambang hardcourt action beginning today as the M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños, the undisputed king of the country's commercial cagedom, tackle three high-grade teams from the Philippine Basketball Association (PBA) in the Cebu City Mayor's Cup Basketball Invitational at the Cebu Coliseum.

To start the ball rolling for the three-day tilt backstopped the city government of Cebu, reigning PBA Fiesta Cup champion Alaska Aces of coach Tim Cone will clash with the Powerade Tigers in the 5:30 pm opener, right before the M. Lhuillier-backed Niños go up against the Meralco Bolts in the main attraction at 7:30 pm.

M. Lhuillier's legendary coach Raul "Yayoy" D. Alcoseba once again hired the services of versatile American import Jeremy Robinson to stregthen his offensive arsenal that heavily depends of Bruce Dacia, Stephen Padilla, Abby Santos, Ian Saladaga Marlon Basco, Ariel Mepaña, Mark Ababon, Franklin Nailon and Mark Magsumbol.

The Niños will also parade newcomers in Ariel Capuz, who once donned the Alaska jersey in the pro league, and Fil-Am Nick Monaco.

They have to deal with a strong Bolts' crew anchored on Marc Cardona, Gabby Espinas, Christopher Ross, Nelbert Omolon, Hans Thiele and their new acquisitions Solomon Mercado and Paolo Bugia.

Tomorrow, the Niños will slug it out with the Powerade Tigers before taking on the Alaska Aces in the last day of the competition on Thursday.

Among the stars to watch out for under Powerade's fold include Dennis Espino, Gary David, Mark Macapagal, Norman Gonzales, Rob Reyes, Ronjay Enrile, RJ Rizada and former UV Lancers standout Chico Lanete.

On the other hand, the Aces, who have been a favorite whipping boys of the Niños in at least three of their past four encounters, will squeeze the most from Cyrus Baguio, Sonny Thoss, Joe Devance, LA Tenorio, Mark Borboran, Tony de la Cruz, Samigue Eman, Bonbon Custudio and Brandon Cablay.

The tourmament follows a single round robin format. The team with the best record after three days of action will be automatically declared as champion.

Tickets are priced at P50 for general admission, P150 for upper box, P250 for lower box and P300 for ringside. (FREEMAN NEWS)