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Zamboanga shuts down Batangas City in second half to tie MPBL South finals

Jhaps Bautista paced Zamboanga early on. MPBL
By Ivan Saldajeno

MANILA--Zamboanga blew an early 15-point lead but effectively crippled Batangas City in the second half to steal a 63-53 road win in Game 2 of the MPBL South Division Finals on Tuesday night at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.

Held to just six points in the second quarter after opening a 24-9 cushion late in the first and finding itself in trouble of getting swept in the best-of-three series, top-seeded Zamboanga turned to its defense in the second half to overturn the outcome, limiting Batangas City to a total of 19 points in the final 20 minutes.

Jhaps Bautista sizzled early on and finished with 17 points alongside five rebounds, one assist, and one steal for Zamboanga, which sent the series back to the Vitaliano Agan Coliseum in Zamboanga City for the rubber match on Saturday night.

Adi Santos added 13 points on 5-of-6 shooting, seven coming at the death where Zamboanga pulled away for good, eight rebounds, and one steal.

Ced Ablaza put up 13 points and 10 rebounds off the bench to lead Batangas City, which failed to eliminate Zamboanga at home.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno

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