MLKP Niños trounce Meralco Bolts

THE M. LHUILLIER Kwarta Padala-Cebu Niños took down another giant from the PBA as they outlasted the Meralco Bolts, 79-73, during the final day of the 2011 Cebu city Mayor’s Cup Invitational Games yesterday at the University of San Carlos gym.

The Niños finished the tournament with a 2-1 (win-loss) record and were awaiting the results of the second game between Alaska and Powerade. A win by Alaska would give the hosts the title in this competition.

The Niños took control of the match in the second half as they overhauled a 34-38 halftime deficit in the third period, where they outscored the Bolts, 22-16.

Leading their attack in that sizzling stretch were import Devon Sullivan, Nat Cruz and Ian Saladaga, who combined for 18 of their total output to take a 56-54 lead into the final canto.

The Niños imposed their will in the fourth as a three-pointer by Stephen Padilla stretched their lead to eight, 69-61. On their next offensive, a three-point play was made by Sullivan which got them a 10-point bulge, 72-62, with 6:35 left.

The Bolts got as close as seven, 66-73, but their momentum was quickly broken by Ian Saladaga, who made an improbable shot while sitting down.

Later, the Bolts’ frustrations boiled over as head coach Boyet Fernandez was called for a technical foul for arguing a call. Meralco threatened not to finish the game but  cooler heads prevailed.

Cruz stuck the dagger into the Bolts’ hearts with a booming three-pointer with 2:08 remaining in the game that gave the Niños  a 79-68 lead.

Cruz led the Niños with 16 while Padilla and Sullivan added 14 and 13, respectively. The Bolts were paced by the 13 of Mark Isip. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio