ALCANTARA — ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu vented its ire against Dumaguete, 76-62, to break out of their recent slump in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup, Saturday at the Civic Center here in Cebu.
The Heroes had lost two straight in the second round and four of their last five — including a 66-75 setback to KCS-Mandaue on Friday night. Now, they needed a win in the worst way and got just that, thanks to inspired performances from Reed Juntilla, Dawn Ochea, and reserve forward Fletcher Galvez.
Juntilla led ARQ in scoring with 14 points, four rebounds, and three assists to help them even their win-loss record up at 4-4 — solo third in the standings.
Ochea notched a double-double with 13 points and 11 boards. Meanwhile, Galvez came off the bench and gave the Heroes a lift with his 13 points, eight boards, two assists and a steal.
Dumaguete, though, tried to rally in the fourth. It pulled within 11, 62-73, after being down by as much as 25, 61-36 late in the third canto.
However, the Warriors were not able to score any more points after that last salvo. They eventually dropped to their fifth loss in six games, remaining in fifth place.
“We feel relieved na nakakuha na kami ng panalo after we returned from the suspension,” said ARQ head coach Francis Auquico.
“Ang ganda ng start namin and we played good defense,” Auquico added. “It’s a good win to build on. Now, we have three days to prepare for Talisay.”
Assistant coach Fernan Dela Cruz took over coaching duties for Dumaguete, since Rommel Uka asked to leave his post due to a family problem. The Warriors are expected to name their new head coach on Monday.
Jaybie Mantilla paced Dumaguete with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Mark Doligon and James Regalado had 14 markers apiece.
Mannie Gabas ably manned the shaded lane with 10 points, 10 boards, and two blocks.
The Warriors failed to arrest their losing slide, which has now reached three games.
ARQ Lapu-Lapu gets a five-day break before facing MJAS-Talisay on Thursday at 3:00PM. Dumaguete, on the other hand, takes on the same team on Tuesday at 7:00PM.
The Scores:
ARQ Lapu-Lapu (76)—Juntilla 14, Ochea 13, Galvez 13, Abad 8, Berame 6, F. Arong 5, Minguito 4, Lusdoc 4, Regero 4, Tangkay 3, M. Arong 2, Solis 0, Mondragon 0, Igot 0.
Dumaguete (62)—Mantilla 18, Regalado 14, Doligon 4, Gabas 10, Velasquez 3, Roy 3, Monteclaro 0, Tomilloso 0, Gonzalgo 0, Porlares 0, Aguilar 0
Quarterscores: 24-13, 42-20, 61-39, 76-62.
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