04/09/2025
For the second straight season, SUNKIST ORANGE JUICERS are the best team in MHC Basketball.
The Reigning Champ garnered another championship with a 57-52 series-clinching win over the ALASKA MILKMEN, Sunday at Boost Basketball Gym.
AJ CADELIÑA led SUNKIST with 22 points and found his mark from the outside late in the game. He nabbed 11 boards and blocked one shot. He averaged 16 points and 9.5 rebounds en route to a Finals MVP award. Providing the spark off the bench was Austinn Macabagdal, the reigning Sixth Man of the Season, tallying 13 points anchored by four triples.
Unlike in Game 1 when both teams were having difficulty in scoring, ALASKA raced off to an 20-11 lead early in the second quarter. Leading by 8, 28-20 with 2:55 minutes left in the second period, ALASKA’s stay on the winning side of the scoreboard didn’t last long as SUNKIST turned up the intensity on the defensive side of the ball and countering with a 10-0 blast all scored by Austinn, highlighted by 3 triples grabbing the lead 30-28 in the first half.
In the 3rd quarter, SUNKIST continued its momentum from the first half by scoring 4 straight points and holding ALASKA scoreless in the first 3 minutes of the quarter for a 34-28 advantage.
After a timeout, a combined five-point spurt from Paolo Cereno and Anton De Sesto, though restored order for ALASKA, as it cut the deficit to only one point, 33-34 with 5:49 minutes left in the period.
SUNKIST countered with back-to-back triples from Austinn and AJ as the defending champions raised to their biggest lead of the game, 40-33, before ending the quarter, 43-38.
With SUNKIST seeming headed for an early finish after another 3-point shot this time from Julius, making the count 46-40, However, ALASKA was quick to respond with their own 9-0 blast, relying on their high-octane offense which was punctuated by a back-to-back layup from Andre Madamba at the 4:06 mark of the final period to give ALASKA a 49-46 lead.
Unfazed all season long, a game-tying Patrick Bayot triple at the 3:26 mark of the final period to level the game 49-all. AJ struggling all game long in the 3-point distance finally nailed one for the second straight triple of SUNKIST to quickly wiped out the deficit and the ORANGE JUICERS saw themselves sitting on a 3-point lead, 52-49, with 2:46 left in the game clock.
ALASKA was able to cut the lead again from another layup from Andre assisted by Rayms Agulto to cut the lead again to 51-52, 1:38 remaining in the fourth period.
A crucial SUNKIST turnover courtesy of a steal from the multiple Defensive Player of the Season Rayms Agulto with 1:11 left provides another moment for ALASKA to steal the lead.
With SUNKIST’s lead on the cusp of slipping, The ORANGE JUICERS resolved and confidence never wavered as two players sprint back to challenge ALASKA’s layup leading to a missed shot that eventually gives another opportunity for SUNKIST to extend the lead via 2-free throws from AJ.
ALASKA had every chance in the fourth but SUNKIST managed to always score a critical basket and relied on their defensive intensity to quell their opponents’ momentum. Patrick sealed the win making 3 out of his four free throws to finally seal the win for SUNKIST, 57-52.
The poise, maturity, and defensive intensity that SUNKIST has been known for was on full display when it pulled off a thrilling victory over its arch rival ALASKA.
Andre Madamba did all he could, scoring 19 points, including eight points in the final quarter, with 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block. Anton De Sesto added 11 points and 7 boards, while Paolo Cereno had 10 points. Team Captain Joms Belgar finished with 8 points and 7 boards.
SUNKIST defense limited ALASKA to just 21% shooting from the 3-point field, while SUNKIST shot 30% from the same area. The champions also forced their opponents to commit 20 turnovers and had more assists,13-8.
It was another heartbreaking end for ALASKA, after an impressive run in the playoff in which they survived three knockout games to cruise past in the championship round.
For SUNKIST, this is a championship to remember, as they underwent several challenges throughout the season after missing key personnel from last season’s championship and suffering back-to-back nightmare losing streaks. Doubts are creeping in already if they can repeat as champions for this season. SUNKIST can just easily crumble under pressure and expectations, but the team stayed composed and stayed loyal to its mission of winning a back-to-back championship. SUNKIST made rational decisions and key changes in the line-up and a concerted effort to help and sacrifice for the betterment of the team.
Recognizing setbacks as a path to success, SUNKIST like a True Champion finally found their stroke and more importantly their Heart as the team ended the elimination round with 4-straight wins for the top-2 seed and an outright entry in the semi-finals plus a twice-to-beat advantage.
Then they defeated GREAT TASTE in the semi-finals for another win and won over ALASKA in Game 1, extending their winning streak while ending ALASKA’s hot streak in the playoffs.
The SUNKIST, who came into the game riding the crest of a six-game win streak, finally finished the season UNDEFEATED in the last seven games.
SUNKIST determination, resilience, and an unwavering will help them in living up to this famous quote: NEVER UNDERESTIMATE THE HEART OF A CHAMPION. As SUNKIST remained the CHAMPION for MHC-Season VI.
Congratulations CHAMP, SUNKIST!!! 👏💪🔥
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The Scores:
SUNKIST 57 - Cadeliña 22, A. Macabagdal 13, Bayot 8, Sagalongos 4, J. Macabagdal 4, Jacobo 3, Cataluna 3, Saberon 0, Dueñas 0, Rivera 0.
ALASKA 52 - A. Madamba 19, De Sesto 11, Cereno 10, Belgar 8, Agulto 4, Gonzales 0, Taliman 0, Garganta 0, Castillo 0, Madamba 0.
Quarters: 11-13, 30-28, 43-38, 57-52
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Watch the FULL GAME VIDEO - MHC YT Channel
https://youtu.be/90Aia3zHaw4?si=0esqcb7H-pUARt5C
📸 Paul Benamer Potograpiya
