ARQ vs Artera in MPBA Season 2 Finals
The ARQ Builders and the Artera Builders knocked out their respective rivals to set up a dream final match-up for the Mandaue’s Pride Basketball Association (MPBA) Season 2:Cebuano Cup crown on Saturday night, March 2, at the Mandaue City Sports and Cultural Complex.
Ian Ortega sparkled with a game-high 20 points spiked with eight assists, six rebounds, three steals, and one block as ARQ of businessman-sportsman Jason Arquisola staged a great escape, rallying from 18 points down in the first half to turn back the Agalons Hauler, 85-78, and emerge as South Conference champion.
Spencer Ugsimar tallied 18 markers on top of eight boards and five steals for ARQ, which trailed 25-43 at the bend but clobbered Agalon’s in the final two quarters, 60-35, in a massive comeback.
Elmer Villabrille and George Sumalinog connived for 31 points as ARQ arranged a championship showdown with Artera, which clinched the North Conference title after dethroning the defending champion Truck N’ Trail, 87-79.
Rey Gonzaga shepherded Artera to victory with 23 points, six rebounds, eight assists, and three steals. He was heavily backed up by Warren Cañete with 20 points, five boards, three dimes, and four steals.
Uking De los Santos and Marin Anabieza also made their presence felt with 25 combined points for Artera, which was dominant from the start and at one point led by 15 points, 6954, in the second half.
Artera and ARQ will go for all the marbles in their winnertake-all final duel slated on March 10 at the Mandaue Sports Complex.—