Prayboys emerge champion in Amicis hoopla

CEBU, Philippines —  The Prayboys outlasted Artera, 111-102, in their knockout final match to clinch the 30-above division title of the Amicis Basketball League (ABL) Season 2 in Consolacion, Cebu.

Welmer Paloma topscored for the Prayboys with 21 points to become the hands down choice as Finals MVP. It was a triple celebration for Paloma as he was earlier honored as season MVP.

Paloma was joined in the elite Mythical Five by his teammate Shad Lucas Dugenio, Romar Ponce and  Arnold Quilaton of Artera, and Cocoy Padin of the Titans.

Dugenio and Rojard Varga added 4 points each for the Prayboys, who were in firm control of the match since cruising to a 55-44 advantage at halftime.

The Prayboys grew even hotter, outclasing Artera in the third period, 34-25, to blow up their lead to 20 points, 89-69, entering the final 10-minute mark of the contest.

The Prayboys then weathered a spirited endgame fightback by Artera to walk away with a rousing nine-point triumph that earned them P20,000 in cash prize.

Rechie Cesa and Warren Canete connived for 33 points while Ponce tallied 14 markers in losing effort for Artera, which took home P10,000 for its first runner-up finish. — EBV