SHAABAA: Batch 1996 outlasts Batch 2002, completes Division A semis cast

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Big Three Pizza–Batch 1996 booked the last semifinals seat in Division A after pulling away from Batch 2002, 88-74, in a do-or-die clash in the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 on Sunday, June 21.

The victory allowed Batch 1996 to complete the Division A semifinals cast, despite suffering a setback in the previous game. In that game, Batch 2002 forced a rubber match by overcoming their twice-to-beat advantage.

Batch 1996 now advances to face top seed Batch 2003–Cebu Landmasters Inc. in a best-of-three semifinal series starting June 28.

HOW THEY GOT HERE: Batch 2002 forces do-or-die showdown

SHAABAA standout Roderick Mangubat

Roderick Mangubat delivered a dominant performance, leading all scorers with 36 points on an efficient 17-of-22 shooting (77 percent) in just 23 minutes of action. He also added three rebounds and three assists.

They played the game at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City.

Serg Al Go Bui posted a double-double of 12 points and 15 rebounds, along with eight assists and four steals. Andrew Po contributed 12 points, five rebounds, two steals, one assist, and a block.

For Batch 2002, Ryan Li finished with 18 points and seven rebounds. Mark Anthony Ynoc added 13 points and four boards.

SHAABAA Batch 2002 put up a good fight

Despite the loss, Batch 2002 kept the game competitive early, forcing 10 lead changes and six deadlocks in the opening stretch. However, Batch 1996 seized control before halftime, building a 45-35 advantage.

The lead ballooned to 63-47 entering the fourth quarter, allowing Batch 1996 to close out the game comfortably.

READ ALSO: SHAABAA Season 29: Monster performances headline Sunday action

Batch 1996 dominated inside the paint, 68-26, and got significant production from its bench, 56-26. They also controlled transition scoring, 33-17. Batch 2002, however, had the edge in points off turnovers, 19-14.

The other Division A semifinal pairing features Batch 2001–ARQ against Batch 2000–Core Pacific.

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