ARQ Builders, Metro Cars now 3-0 in MPBA Season 3

CEBU, Philippines — The defending champions ARQ Builders and Metro Cars maintained their perfect starts in the Mandaue’s Pride Basketball Association (MPBA) Commissioner’s Cup Season 3 over the weekend at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) gym.

Spencer Ugsimar and Ian Ortega connived for 31 points as ARQ of team owner Jason Arquisola fended off the gritty Purexfit Cebu, 87-85, to firm up its grip of the Elite Division lead with an immaculate 3-0 slate.

Jude Betonio and Elmer Villabrille also made their presence felt for ARQ with 14 and 12 points, respectively.

Keanu Ray Limana fired 21 points while Jan Javellanas and Travis Crisologo combined for 23 points but to no avail as Purexfit crashed to its second straight loss.

In the other Elite duel, Matthew Paras exploded for 28 points spiked with eight rebounds, three assists, and two steals as Steadfast Builders barged into the win column with a 97-83 rout of the Artera Builders.

Miguel Gastador scored 16 while Rendell Senining added 14 points to help Steadfast snap out of its two-game jinx.

Justine Dacalos tallied 15 markers while Paul Sungahid had 13 points for Artera, which tasted its first defeat in two starts.

In the Premiere Division, Hersley Fuentes fired 24 points, seven assists, three rebounds, and two steals as Metro Cars slammed Home Sourced, 94-81, to stay undefeated in three games.

Jerick Gonzaga contributed 18 points, while James Asoro and Joemarie Beldoro banged in 11 points apiece for the speeding Metro Cars.

James Villafuerte netted 19 points, while Bolyn Hiatoro and Jade Digal posted an identical 13 points but their efforts went for naught as Home Sourced fell to 1-2. — EBV (FREEMAN)