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| Levi Hernandez played well offensively and especially defensively to keep Batangas City alive. MPBL |
MANILA--Batangas City averted crisis down the stretch as the team held off South Cotabato for an 81-79 win in Game 2 of the MPBL South Division semifinals on Monday night at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
Up 67-51 at the end of the third quarter, the Rum Masters faced adversity in the fourth as the Warriors fought back to cut the lead down to four, 78-74, with 2:09 left.
However, Levi Hernandez blocked Nico Elorde's layup attempt and forced a turnover on the latter, leading to an MJ Dela Virgen floater with 1:13 to go to stretch Batangas City's lead to six.
Dawn Ochea then blocked JP Calvo's own layup, and Hernandez once again checked Elorde by blocking his shot yet again.
South Cotabato lost steam from thereon as Jong Baloria hit a split from the free throw line to ice the game for Batangas City.
The Warriors still got to score five straight points in the end, but it was a bit too late for them.
Hernandez finished with 15 points, seven rebounds, and two blocks to lead Batangas City, which forced a Game 3 against South Cotabato on Thursday night.
Baloria added 14 points, three rebounds, four assists, one steal, and two blocks.
Elorde had 13 points, five rebounds, four assists, and two steals for South Cotabato.
With the Quezon Huskers already sweeping the Paranaque Patriots in their own South semis, Game 3 between the Warriors and the Rum Masters is set on Thursday night back at the Batangas City Sports Coliseum.
Box Scores:
BATANGAS CITY 81 - Hernandez 15, Baloria 14, Paniamogan 13, Ambulodto 8, Isit 7, Ochea 7, Ablaza 6, Virgen 4, Apinan 4, Porter 3, Oliva 0, Arim 0, Alarcon 0, Cruz 0, Importante 0.
SOUTH COTABATO 79 - Elorde 13, J. Cruz 11, Jamito 10, Tolentino 10, Calvo 8, Fajarito 8, Acuna 8, M. Cruz 5, Dionisio 4, Rodriguez 2, Cosip 0, Joson 0, Lantaya 0, Landicho 0, Apreku 0.
Quarterscores: 23-21, 38-39, 67-51, 81-79
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