ARQ Builders, Truck N’ Trail advance to conference finals

CEBU, Philippines — The undefeated ARQ Builders and the defending champion Truck N’ Trail booted out separate foes to barge into the final round of their respective divisions in the Mandaue’s Pride Basketball Association (MPBA) Season 2: Cebuano Cup at the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) gym.

ARQ of team owner Jason Arquisola scraped through a 101-99 win over Team Banilad-Luigi Bercede to reach the South Conference championship.

Five ARQ players cracked double figures headlined by Ian Ortega with 26 points on top of seven rebounds and three assists.

Jose Miguel Tabalog chipped in 19 markers, seven boards, two assists, and a block, while Ron Tampus, John Paul Dugenio and Spencer Ugsimar connived for 31 points for the ARQ Builders, who will face next Agalon’s Hauler for the South crown.

Agalon’s Hauler advanced after terminating the JDCB Ballers, 84-68, behind the efforts of James Ferraren and Joseph Cabahug who cashed in 40 combined points.

On the other hand, Truck N’ Trail pummeled Rongcales Customs Brokerage, 93-79, to seal a spot in the North finals.

Paul Sungahid paced Truck N’ Trail with 16 points followed by Jeric Gonzaga and Dansoy Labata with 13 and 12 points, respectively. EJ Conahap and John Velasco also made their presence felt after tallying 21 points in between them.

Truck N’ Trail will face Artera Builders in the North finals.

Artera kept its title campaign in motion after ousting TSO & Co. Prayboys, 106-77.

Jeff Gudes and Rey Gonzaga carried most of Artera’s offensive load with 20 and 18 points. Ukinz De los Santos was the other double-digit scorer for the winning side with 14 points laced with nine rebounds. — (FREEMAN)