MPBA SEASON 3: ARQ Builders start title defense on high note

CEBU, Philippines — Jestony Baclaan and Carmelo Cabahug stole the show as the ARQ Builders kick-started their title defense with a  come-from-behind 83-78 victory over the Steadfast Builders in the Elite Division of the Mandaue’s Pride Basketball Association (MPBA) Commissioner’s Cup Season 3 over the weekend at Cebu Port Authority (CPA) gym.

Baclaan fired 20 points while Cabahug banged in 18 markers for ARQ, which trailed for most of the way but launched a sizzling endgame assault to turn the tables on Steadfast.

Down by eight at halftime, 33-41, ARQ slowly but steadily chiseled the deficit away and then greeted the fourth period with a 12-7 run to seize the driver’s seat, 69-68, for good.

Rendell Senining paced Steadfast with a game-high 21 points. Miguel Gastador finished with 19 points, while Prince Matt Carin added 11 points in a losing effort.

In the Premier Division, Metro Cars coasted to its second straight win via a 107-76 blowout of Urestore.

Dwight Godinez bannered seven Metro Cars players in double figures with 20 points.

Uking de los Santos posted 14 points, Hersley Fuentes and Edison Macua each scored 12, Sanel Cabalda and Jerick Cabalda nailed an identical 11 points, while Jake Igot netted 10 points in a balanced attack that vaulted Metro Cars to a masterful 31-point demolition of Urestore.

Rodney Abangan scattered 28 points but to no avail as Urestore went down for the first time after a rousing start.

In the other game, Stephon Gonzales and Anthony Ybañez combined for 51 big points as the Flago Prayboys barged into the win column with a 100-96 beating of Welec.

Etnies Gabato and Mark Monte both charted 32 points but their explosive performances went for naught as Welec fell to 1-2. — (FREEMAN)