Architects draw first victory by axing Dentists in MP Cup

The Dewfoam-sponsored United Architects’ Basketball Club (UABC) overhauled a 12-point deficit early in the second quarter to thwart Cebu Dental Society (CDS), 54-46, and finally barge into the win column of the 1st MP Cup Invitational basketball tournament at the USC-Main Gym.

Dewfoam-UABC of Archt. Alan G. Choachuy had a lukewarm start that resulted into a 10-22 deficit with just three minutes gone by in the second quarter. The Architects’ however, bounced back with aplomb to pull within six, 18-24, at the intermission.

Despite playing with only eight players, the Architects flustered the Dentists with their stifling defense most of the way. They grounded CDS’ big men with their porous double-teaming and then crippled the Dentist’ offense by denying their guards to pierce through the shaded lane.

As the offense of the Dentists went topsy-turvy, the Architects made the most out of the opportunity, with Elvin Mayuela, Lord Ong, Jonathan Suico, and Peter Bordador presiding over a 23-7 run to take full control at the end of the third period, 41-31.

With its cunning defensive system still in the works, the Architects maintained a double-digit edge until the closing seconds of the game, the biggest stood at 52-40 underneath the final two-minute mark of the contest.

The Architects personified great team effort and big fighting heart to outscore the Dentists in the final half, 36-22.

Mayuela topscored with 15 points followed by Suico and Ong with 14 markers apiece as the Dewfoam-backed Architects snapped out of its three-game losing skid. CDS crashed to its third straight defeat in as many games.

Bordador and Richard Abella connived for 15 points for UABC, while the likes of Choachuy, Lawrence Young, and Christopher Dy also deserved special mention for their solid defensive stops that spelled big difference.

The scores

UABC (54) - Mayuela 15, Suico 14, Ong 14, Abella 8, Bordador 7, Dy 2

CDS (46) - Bacalla 12, Siroy 9, Mamaclay 7, Carpio 5, Bardoquillo 4, Acurin 4, Nuñez 3, Evardo 2

Quarterscores:8-11, 18-24, 41-31, 54-46 — EBV