Adamson Falcons soar to championship glory

BAYUGAN CITY, Philippines — The ARQ Builders-Adamson University Soaring Falcons outgunned the Wengburs Apartelle and Ella Store-San Beda University Red Lions, 71-63, to clinch the championship of the cash-rich Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Basketball Tournament 2024 on Saturday, June 29, here at the Lope Asis Memorial Gymnasium in the bustling city of Agusan del Sur.

Tournament MVP Mathew “Monty” Montebon paced Adamson with 14 points, three rebounds, and one assist, while Emman Anabo and big man Mudiaga Ojarikre combined for 18 points as the Soaring Falcons took full command of the match since getting off to a hot 24-10 start on the way to snare the coveted title that went along with a P300,000 cash prize.

San Beda actually pulled within just four points, 41-45, on a 17-5 run early in the second half, but the Falcons regained their offensive bearing and went on an 8-0 scoring blitz at the start of the final quarter to establish an imposing 66-50 lead with 6:07 left to play.

It was cruise control for the Falcons of coach Nash Racela from there onwards, giving the ARQ Builders of Cebu-based businessman Jason Arquisola third consecutive crown in the biggest and grandest hardcourt spectacle in the Caraga region.

Yukien Andrada netted 17 points , while  RC Calimag and Menaro Songcuya connived for 30 points for the Red Lions, who still have something to be happy about after pocketing P200,000 for their first runner-up finish.

In the battle for third place, the Ariano’s Construction-Emilio Aguinaldo College (EAC) Generals squandered an 18-point edge in the first half, but rode on the hot hands of Wilmar Oftana to frustrate the Bustamante Construction-University of the Visayas (UV) Green Lancers anew, 80-69.

Oftana dropped 20 points, including five straight in the final three-minute mark that buffered the Generals to an exhilarating double-digit victory after losing a huge 50-32 advantage late in the second quarter.

The Lancers came threateningly close within three points, 67-70, but Oftana sank a booming 3-pointer and then hit two free throws  that have the Generals a 75-67 breather at the final 2:08 mark.   

After a basket by UV team captain Jimpaul Amistoso, Joshua Tolentino banked a crucial shot from beyond the arc before Kyle Ochavo scored on a wide open layup in the last  58 seconds that sealed the deal for the Generals, who pocketed P150,000 for their efforts.