 |
| Batangas City takes Game 1 against gritty GenSan. MPBL |
BACOOR--Batangas City survived a grind-out against GenSan for an 81-75 win at the start of the MPBL South Division Semifinals on Saturday night at the Bacoor City STRIKE Gymnasium.
The Embassy Chill pulled away late just as the Warriors were about to send the game to a down-the-wire finish.
GenSan was just within two, 71-69, with less than three minutes left, and was on the verge of forcing a backcourt violation on Batangas City with their pressure defense.
However, Jeckster Apinan threw an outlet pass to Levi Hernandez, who scored the press-breaking layup that would open the game-turning 8-0 run for the Embassy Chill to pull away for good.
Hernandez finished with 21 points on 7-of-11 shooting and three rebounds to lead Batangas City, which can sweep GenSan next Saturday at home.
Apinan added 13 points, nine rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
Mark Cruz led GenSan with 18 points, all on three-pointers, six rebounds, and three assists.
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
