BATANGAS City Embassy Chill dropped an 11-point bomb in the fourth quarter to subdue Rizal Xentromall, 72-66, last Saturday and barge into the South division finals at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Bacolod Bingo Plus stunned Zamboanga Family’s Brand Sardines, 61-58, to force a Game 3 decider in their battle for the other finals slot.
With the count tied at 53, Batangas turned hot and pulled away at 64-53 behind the guns of Juneric Baloria, Mark Niel Cruz, Mark Dela Virgen and Cedric Ablaza.
Rizal gave chase and came to within 64-68 following a 6-point cluster by Jolo Mendoza and Alvin John Capobres.
The Golden Coolers’ effort fell short, however, as Levi Hernandez added a free throw and Dela Virgen two free throws with 21 seconds left to seal Batangas’ second straight win in the best-of-three semifinal series and a probable return to the national title (Anta Rajah Cup) which it won in the MPBL’s inaugural season in 2018.
Ablaza posted 19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists and 2 blocks to earn best player honors. The 6-foot-3 banger was supported by Juneric Baloria with 13 points, 3 rebounds and 3 assists and Dela Virgen with 10 points, 5 assists and 2 rebounds.
Batangas Coach Cholo Villanueva gave credit to his rival mentor Jonathan Banal and the Golden Coolers for giving the Athletics “a hell of a series” and his wards, for not wanting “to go to Game 3.”
