The Arthro Kontra Arthritis-Cebu reaffirmed its mastery over Montaña Pawnshop-Davao in convincing fashion, 76-61, to snatch the championship of the 2007 Cateel Town Fiesta Invitational Basketball Tournament in Cateel, Davao Oriental.
Spunky guard Alex Cainglet sparkled with 18 points, Jerome Gadiane chipped in 15 markers followed by Doroteo Almacin with 11 as Arthro of longtime sports patron and businessman Jonathan “Atan” L. Guardo grabbed its fourth title of the year.
Before their fairytale run in Cateel, the Arthro stalwarts topped the Cebu City Charter Cup MVBA pre-seasons games, ruled the Mayor Rodrigo Duterte “Araw ng Dabaw” Invitational and then bagged the 2007 MVBA First Conference Visayas Division crown.
Wielding the same high-octane offense during their 62-52 conquest of Montaña Pawnshop during the elimination round, Arthro dashed for an early 19-10 lead. The Cebuano visitors kept on spewing fire in the next two periods to stretch their lead to 15 points, 64-49, going into the final quarter.
From that point on, Arthro kept the Davao Jewels wobbling with its consistent offense matched with porous defense.
“Of course I’m very happy. I’d like to commend our players for giving their all-out best and for playing with a lot of heart. They deserved this championship,” said team manager Jeson L. Guardo.
Joseph Ronald “Baby Shaq” Quiñahan, Mark Joseph Ababon, and low-post enforcer Bernie Ursal connived for 24 points for Arthro, which completed its Cateel joust with a clean 4-0 slate.
Meanwhile, Arthro hopes to settle its unfinished business with Beberly Farms as they collide for the third time in an exhibition match tonight in the municipality of Cordova.
Beberly Farms drew first blood, but Arthro fired back in their latest encounter to forge a rubbermatch.
The scores
Arthro (76) - Cainglet 18, Gadiane 15, Almacin 11, Quiñahan 9, Ababon 9, Ursal 6, Mercado 4, Garcia 2, Bucao 2
Montaña Pawnshop (61) - Lamocha 17, Ayson 10, Canlas 6, Ilanga 6, Panerio 6, Abanes 5, Araman 4, Jawod 3, Quibod 2, Erdinal 2
Quarterscores:19-10, 45-31, 64-49, 76-61 ( GGM)