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VisMin Super Cup: With controversy behind him, Juntilla shining for Lapu-Lapu

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ABS-CBN News

<div class="embed-wrap"><figure data-feedback="fb:likes,fb:comments"><img src="http://sa.kapamilya.com/absnews/abscbnnews/media/2021/news/05/05/reed.jpg"/><figcaption>Reed Juntilla of ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu. Photo courtesy of Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas</figcaption></figure></div>MANILA, Philippines -- After a rollercoaster start to his stint for ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu in the Chooks-to-Go Pilipinas VisMin Super Cup, veteran guard Reed Juntilla is finding his groove at the perfect time.The 36-year-old has been averaging 22.67 points and 7.67 rebounds per game in the Heroes&#x27; past three games, where they escaped elimination against Bohol, Dumaguete, and KCS-Mandaue.His motivation is simple -- for the team, there is no tomorrow.&quot;Wala nang bukas kasi. Kailangan kong i-embrace &#x27;yung challenge na binigay sa akin,&quot; the native of Carmen, Cebu said.Juntilla&#x27;s performances are notable after he was embroiled in controversy earlier in the season. He was one of the six players that were handed a first-round suspension by the league stemming from Lapu-Lapu&#x27;s controversial game against Siquijor last April 14.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/04/15/21/siquijor-team-expelled-from-vismin-super-cup">READ: Siquijor team expelled from VisMin Super Cup</a></li></ul>When they returned, the Heroes had been zapped of momentum and went 2-3 in the second round.&quot;Struggle talaga kami kasi may problema kami na pinagdaanan, &#x27;di ba? Hindi ko in-expect &#x27;yun, lalo na &#x27;yung talo naman sa Tabogon,&quot; said Juntilla, recalling their 73-76 loss to the Voyagers last April 22.&quot;Ang maganda dun, hindi kami nawalan ng pag-asa. Kailangan talaga naming mag-focus at mag-step up,&quot; he added.A veteran of several commercial leagues, Juntilla took it upon himself to lift not just the spirits of his teammates, but also his team on the court.&quot;Ako magte-take charge dito sa team at shine-share ko &#x27;yung experience ko sa laro. Kailangan din talagang i-push &#x27;yung teammates ko at ilabas &#x27;yung puso sa laro,&quot; he said.On Tuesday, Juntilla had 19 points, six rebounds, two assists, a steal, and a block to carry his side to a 67-52 win over KCS-Mandaue, a team they had not beaten during the elimination round.<ul class="op-related-articles">	<li><a href="https://news.abs-cbn.com/sports/05/05/21/vismin-super-cup-lapu-lapu-stuns-mandaue-stays-alive-in-semis">READ: Lapu Lapu stuns Mandaue, stays alive in semis</a></li></ul>Despite the mileage he already has in his legs, Juntilla stressed that he still has something left for their win-or-go-home game against the same team on Wednesday.&quot;Kaya pa, laban pa,&quot; he guaranteed. &quot;Kundisyon pa kaming lahat.&quot;

After a rollercoaster start to his stint for ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu in the VisMin Super Cup, veteran guard Reed Juntilla is finding his groove at the perfect time.

After a rollercoaster start to his stint for ARQ Builders Lapu-Lapu in the VisMin Super Cup, veteran guard Reed Juntilla is finding his groove at the perfect time.