The streak is over.
Ironically, it was Manny Pacquiao’s team ? the MP Gensan Warriors ? which delivered the knockout punch that ended M. Lhuillier Cebu Ni?os? amazing 30-game winning run.
The Warriors hit key shots and made all the necessary stops in the homestretch to score a stunning 79-74 victory over the Ni?os on Thursday in the Tournament of the Philippines seventh leg at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym in Manila.
Behind a balanced-scoring attack that saw five players in double figures along with a solid defensive stand, the team from General Santos City earned the distinction of dealing Cebu its first-ever defeat in the tournament jointly organized by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.
But more importantly, the Warriors snapped the amazing run of the Ni?os that began during last year’s Liga Pilipinas Conference III when they rolled to a 21-game sweep then won nine more in three TOP legs.
“Sabi ko lang na i-enjoy lang nila ang laro na ‘to at kung ganun ang gagawin namin maachieve namin yung goal na tapusin ang streak ng Cebu,” said Gensan coach Fean del Rosario, whose squad celebrated on the bench after the final horn sounded.
The last time Cebu lost was on April 20, 2009 when it was defeated by rivals Misamis Oriental, 64-52, to wrest the Liga Pilipinas Conference II crown in the pivotal fifth game of their title series held at the Cebu City Coliseum.
