BAYUGAN, Agusan del Sur — ARQ Builders-Adamson University pulled off back-to-back victories over Bustamante Construction-University of Visayas, 74-57. and Arianos Construction-Emilio Aguinaldo College, 88-84, to set up a title showdown with Wengburs Apartelle and Ella Store-San Beda University in the 2024 Mayor Kirk Asis Open Invitational Basketball Tournament at the Lope Asis Memorial gymnasium here Friday.

Looking determined following a 64-65 loss to San Beda on opening day, the Falcons completed a dramatic turnaround by sweeping their next three assignments in the short, five-team tournament hosted by Mayor Asis as part of the City’s 17th Charter Day Anniversary.

The trio of AJ Fransman, Jhon Calisay and Mathew Montebon shared scoring honors for Adamson, which finished with a 3-1 win-loss record in the tournament being held in this northern Agusan del Sur City noted for its lucrative cut flower industry.

Fransman topscored with 23 points, including13 in the third quarter, and added seven boards for the Nash Racela-mentored Adamson.

Fransman got ample scoring support from Calisay, who added 13 points and Montebon, who contributed with 12 points in the Falcons’ hard-earned victory over the Generals.

King Gurtiza and Wilmar Oftana led the losing effort of the Generals with 14 and 11 points, respectively.

Earlier in the day, Adamson pulled the rug from under Bustamante Construction- University of Visayas, 74-57.

Montebon fired 17 points and five assists while Cedrick Manzano added 11 points and nine rebounds for the San Marcelino-based Falcons.

“Ang talagang goal naman namin in getting here is to get games that will help us to improve. So if we’re doing the right things now, get some wins and get to the playoffs, mas maganda ito para sa amin. It will help us in our development and our preparations for the UAAP,” said Nash Racela in an interview with sportswriters.

“My expectation always is for my players to give their best and play correctly,” added Racela.

Meanwhile, San Beda notched its third straight win by keeping Vincare Pharma-Perpetual Altas winless with a 66-59 victory.

RC Calimag led all scorers for the Yuri Escueta-mentored Red Lions with 12 points.

Emmanuel Tagle and JC Bonzalida had nine points each while Bryan Sajonia chipped in seven points.

Only two players — JP Boral and Shawn Orgo– managed to score in double figures, for Perpetual Help coach Olsen Racela.

Boral scattered 19 points while Orgo added 10 points.

The championship game is scheduled at 3 p.m.

Well-known basketball coach-organizer Van Halen Parmis said at stake in the tournament is more than P800,000, with the champion pocketing the lion’s share of P300,000.

The runner-up will receive P200,000, the third placer will earn P150,000, the fourth placer will bring home P100,000 and the fifth placer will earn P75,000.