M. Lhuillier Kwarta Padala Cebu went to Stephen Padilla in the fourth quarter to finish off Ascof Lagundi, 83-70, and rule the First Leg of the Tournament of the Philippines Saturday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College gym.

After the Ninos' 19-point lead was reduced to just six (53-47) entering the payoff period, coach Yayoy Alcoseba called on Padilla in the hope of putting off Ascof’s comeback.

Padilla did not disappoint his coach as he buried a triple nine seconds into the fourth, hit another two minutes later then knocked home another trey with 5:14 to go for a 69-54 lead to put Cebu out of trouble.

The Ninos, who won their 25th consecutive game counting the 21-game sweep they did to rule the Liga Conference III last November, thus earned the distinction as the first leg winner of the joint tournament formed by the Philippine Basketball League and Liga Pilipinas.

"Mas maganda na ang nilaro namin ngayon unlike in our previous games," said coach Yayoy Alcoseba, whose team secured a total of 15 points after gaining 10 points for completing a four-game sweep of the leg.

Padilla scored just 12 points but came away with the Most Valuable Player after a rousing stint that saw him fire eight threes against host Ani-FCA.

Best Rebounder Marlon Basco registered a double-double with a game-high 25 points and 11 rebounds while Bruce Dacia added 14. Best Assists winner Warren Ybanez registered seven points, five assists and four steals.

Bam Gamalinda led Ascof Lagundi with 19 points in a losing cause. The Pascual Laboratories-owned franchise compiled a total of seven points.

Meanwhile, Treston Laguna escaped past Ani-FCA, 94-87, in overtime to claim third place. Alex Angeles hit a go-ahead trey with 56 seconds remaining to gain an 89-87 advantage before making big stops down the stretch to receive three points.

The scene shifts to General Santos City on Wednesday where boxing idol and newly-elected Sarangani congressman Manny Pacquiao is expected to play for his team the PacMan GenSan Warriors.

M. LHUILLIER CEBU 83 — Basco 25, Dacia 14, Padilla 12, Ybanez 7, Santos 7, Magsumbol 7, Mepana 6, Nailon 2, Saladaga 2, Ababon 1.

ASCOF LAGUNDI 70 — Gamalinda 19, Co 13, Aguilar 10, Labagala 10, Uyloan 5, Smith 3, Asoro 3,  Taylor 3, Canlas 2, Manuel 2, Leynes 0.

Quarters: 22-10; 44-27; 53-47; 83-70.