The victorious Architects celebrate their title win over Nursing in the MCBL Licensed Division finals.
Licensed Division
THE ARCHITECTS stormed back from a 14-point deficit in the second half to nip Nursing, 80-78, in the finals of the Metro Cebu Basketball League Powered by Rad Teamwear Licensed Division last Saturday at the City Sports Club-Cebu basketball court.
Nursing seemingly had the inside track on the win as they built on their 39-35 halftime lead and turned it into a sizable 60-46 advantage before it settled at 60-50 heading to the final canto.
But the Architects, showing the perseverance and determination of a champion, came roaring back with 10 straight points to reclaim the lead at 78-77. They then made all the right plays in the game’s dying seconds to complete the stirring come-from-behind victory.
Bullstrong forward Ayi Armenion led the Architects with 25 points, 11 rebounds, two steals and three blocked shots. He also got help from the likes of Brian Acebedo who tallied 17 markers, six boards and three steals, Mike Cinco who had 15 points and Bong Gabison who had 10 points, eight rebounds and four steals.
Nursing, which led the game for over 27 minutes, got a huge outing from versatile big man Nikko San Juan, who scored 26 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and had four steals.
Wilfred Ponteras added 15 for the losing side.