Purexfit secures first win in MPBA Season 3

CEBU, Philippines — Purexfit Cebu fended off the Steadfast Builders, 87-85, to barge into the win column in the Elite Division of Mandaue’s Pride Basketball Association (MPBA) Commissioner’s Cup Season 3 over the weekend at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) Gym.

Keanu Ray Limana led five players in double figures with 22 points, six rebounds, four assists, five steals, and one block in an all-around performance that helped Purexfit snap out of its three-game jinx.

Rhadie Azarcon tallied 19 markers, two boards, three dimes, and two steals, while Dennise Mark de la Cerna chipped in with 14 points, three rebounds, and nine assists for Purexfit, which lost a 61-51 lead midway in the third quarter but launched a spirited endgame fightback to scrape through a two-point win.

Anthony Lucena and Travis Crisologo also made a significant contribution for Purexfit with 12 points apiece underscoring their balanced attack.

Miguel Gastador collected 26 points, seven rebounds, six assists and as many steals while RJ Dinolan banged in a double-double of 23 points and 15 rebounds but their efforts went down the drain as Steadfast suffered its third loss in five matches.

In the Premier Division, Mark Monte came up with a dazzling double-double show of 24 points and 13 rebounds as Welec escaped past Home Sourced, 75-73, to improve its record to 4-3.

Ronald Ababa contributed 16 points and seven rebounds, while Carlo Bacalso had 12 points, three rebounds, and four assists for Welec.

James Villafuerte exploded for 41 points but his singular offensive outburst proved futile as Home Sourced fell to 3-4. — (FREEMAN)