(Mpba Season 2:Cebuano Cup) Perfect ARQ Builders crowned champion | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — After boxing, ARQ produced another champion.

This time on the hardcourt.

In a sudden-death showdown between the two Builders, ARQ prevailed over Artera, 82-77, to emerge as champion of the Mandaue’s Pride Basketball Association (MPBA) Season 2:Cebuano Cup on Sunday night, March 10, at the Mandaue City Cultural and Sports Complex.

ARQ’s latest feat came just two days after its resurgent fighter Rodel “The Hulk” Wenceslao scored a sixth round stoppage of General Santos City’s Ernie Sanchez to snatch the World Boxing Foundation (WBF) Australasian welterweight belt last March 8 in Cawayan, Masbate.

In the MPBA, ARQ of team owner Jason Arquisola lifted the champion’s trophy with a perfect 12-0 record.

After completing a nine-game sweep in the elimination round, ARQ terminated Team Banilad-Luigi Bercede in the semifinals before crushing the Agalon’s Garbage Hauler to reign supreme in the South Conference.

Ranged against the North Conference titlist, ARQ was a dominant force, never looking back after cruising to a 41-28 halftime advantage.

ARQ grew even hotter as the match progressed on the way to blow up its lead to as high as 23 points,74-51, early in the final quarter.

Artera staged a daring fightback but time wasn’t on its side, enabling ARQ to safely careen to a rousing five-point triumph.

Ian Ortega exploded for a game-high 29 points laced with four rebounds, three assists, and two steals to become the hands down choice as Most Valuable Player.

John Villabrille, Jose Miguel Tabaloc, and Ryan Llanos also figured prominently for ARQ with 37 combined points.

Rey Gonzaga tallied 21 markers on top of 12 boards, five dimes, two steals, and one block, while Dennise de la Cerna also hit 21 points with four rebounds and one assist but their efforts went down the drain  for Artera. — (FREEMAN)