THE REIGNING champions Durabend refused to give in and hand their title over as they sent the best-of-three finals series in the United Architects Basketball Club Corporate Cup to a deciding Game 3 after winning Game 2 over Unitec, 65-57, at the Cebu Eastern College gym.
Durabend was out for vengeance following their Game 1 loss but all was not right as they fell behind in the first half and remained down by three, 37-40, heading to the final canto.
However, Criz Matunog caught fire and sparked the comeback with three triples while MVP Elmer Laguna anchored the inside attack to carry the squad to the crucial victory. Matunog ended up with 18 points. Laguna wound up with 11.
Raymund Gonesto paced Unitec with 20 and was the lone player in double digits for his team.
BOX SCORES:
Durabend (65) – Matunog 18, Panerio 15, Laguna 11, Suico 7, Tan 6, Lim 4, Pepito 2, Choachuy 2, Hisula 0.
Unitec (57) –Gonesto 20,Baladya 9, Sia 9, Go 5, Decatoria 5, Tan A. 5, Arboil 2, Ong 2, Pepito 0, Mayo 0, Tan O. 0, Camello 0.
Quarterscores: 7-10; 23-24; 37-40; 65-57. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio