CABC Buildrite Cup: Max Bond sets up championship duel with Flexicrete

CEBU, Philippines —  The Sugbu Max Bond rode on the red-hot shooting of Criz Matunog and Dexel Caadan to outclass Cebu Sinclair Paint, 86-77, and advance to the championship of the Cebu Architects Basketball Club’s Buildrite Cup 2023 over the weekend at the Benedicto College gymnasium along A.S. Fortuna Street in Mandaue City.

Matunog shot a spectacular 7-of-13 from the three-point land on the way to a game-high 23 points he laced with two rebounds, three assists, and two steals in an all-around performance for Max Bond.

Caadan was similarly impressive, tallying 17 points on a perfect 7-of-7 sniping from the field and 3-of-3 from the free-throw line. He also had three rebounds and two blocks for Max Bond, which never looked back after seizing a 10-point lead, 73-63, midway in the fourth quarter.

Chester Hinagdaan also figured prominently with 15 points, four rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block underscoring his hardcourt versatility for Max Bond.

Not to be outdone, team captain Chad Go and Michael Judilla each scored 10, even as they also combined for 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals as Max Bond arranged a title showdown with Metro Cebu Flexicrete, which booked the other final ticket after booting out Datu Lapu-Lapu Sapal, 86-79.

Michael Cinco showed the way for Flexicrete with a solid double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds spiked with four assists, two steals and one block. He was ably backed up by Jason Cinco and Ferdinand Tiro, who nailed 18 and 12 markers, respectively.

Max Bond and Flexicrete are set to clash for the coveted crown in a winner-take-all affair on Sunday, March 26, at the same venue. — EBV