SG-ARQ Builders rule Monday Squad caging

CEBU, Philippines - The SG-ARQ Builders outlasted the Hard Court Kings, 71-67, to win the championship of the Monday Squad Basketball Cebu (MSBC) Season 2 last Thursday night at the Casal's Village gym in Barangay Mabolo, Cebu City.

Ronan Isidro, the tournament MVP with an average of 17.6 points per game, led four SG-ARQ players in double figures with 15 points.

JJ Gesalem chipped in with 14 markers while Kheldon Sereno and Alan Sala each scored 12 for the Builders, who took an early 17-8 lead.

The Hard Court Kings pulled within striking range after three quarters, 46-49, but the Builders fought steadier down the stretch to escape with a four-point win.

Jake Cortez paced HCK with 14 points, while Urleo Rizane and Cromwell Lacuna had 23 points in between them in a losing effort.

Meanwhile, Isidro was joined in the Mythical 5 by his teammate Gesalem, Michael Lorenzo Balankig of HCK, Prince Vaughn Malana of the Warriors and Archie Brian Batua of Silogan ni Gian. Garexx Puerto is the league's 'Slam Dunk' champion, Malana the 3-point king and Ian Ortega the All-Star MVP. —  EBV (FREEMAN)