 |
| Christian Fajarito's return powered South Cotabato past Batangas City. MPBL |
MANILA--South Cotabato's Cinderella run in the MPBL Playoffs continued on Monday night as the team stunned Batangas City, 87-76, in Game 1 of their South Division semifinal series at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena.
The Warriors turned things around in the second quarter, outscoring the Rum Masters, 27-15, to open a 45-35 lead and maintained control of the game in the second half.
Christian Fajarito announced his return to the lineup and led sixth-seeded South Cotabato with 20 points, seven rebounds, two assists, and one steal.
Marwin Dionisio added 10 points, four rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one block off the bench.
Levi Hernandez put up 16 points, six rebounds, and one assist, while Dawn Ochea added 10 points on a perfect 4-for-4 shooting, seven rebounds, and one steal for Batangas City, which will host Game 2 next Monday.
Box Scores:
SOUTH COTABATO 87 - Fajarito 20, Dionisio 10, Jamito 9, M. Cruz 9, Acuna 9, Joson 8, Apreku 6, Calvo 5, Elorde 4, Rodriguez 3, Tolentino 2, J. Cruz 2, Cosip 0, Lantaya 0, Landicho 0.
BATANGAS CITY 76 - Hernandez 16, Ochea 10, Apinan 9, Arim 8, Albaza 6, Cruz 6, Paniamogan 5, Importante 4, Baloria 4, Isit 3, Virgen 3, Ambulodto 2, Oliva 0, Porter 0, Alarcon 0.
Quarterscores: 18-20, 45-35, 72-62, 87-76
Follow him on X: @IvanSaldajeno
.jpg)
