Team Batangas blasted visiting team Blustar Detergent Dragons, scoring a 92-68 rout and notching back-to-back wins, Tuesday afternoon at the JCSGO Gym in Cubao, Quezon City.
The loss sends the Dragons to their sixth straight setback, and they are now eliminated from the tourney.
Dan Sara steered the Batanguenos’ second period breakaway, firing nine in the team’s 27-point explosion and grab a 46-30 halftime advantage. They would extend the lead to as much as 24, 82-58, with six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter.
Joseph Sedurifa topped Batangas with 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists, while Sara had 14 markers, nine assists, and four boards to improve to a 3-4 slatez
Cedrick Ablaza also registered a double-double of 13 points, 14 rebounds, and four steals in the win.
“Siyempre kung kaya manalo, ipapanalo. But we’re not in a hurry. Lahat ng nangyayari sa amin, bonus na lang,” said coach Eric Gonzales, as his focus remains on improving the squad rather than on the team’s progress this conference.
“Kung titingnan mo yung playoff as a goal, our next game against Tanduay is a make or break. But for us, we’re happy with what we have right now, we try to improve on that, and what we improved on, we’ll try to build on that pa,” the two-time D-League champion coach added.
The visitors committed 25 turnovers that led to 22 points for Batangas. Moreover, Batangas knocked down 10 triples in the game compared to just one for the Malaysians.
Tristan Perez led Blustar with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jason Melano got 17 markers, eight boards, three assists, and two blocks in the defeat.
Batangas will look to extend their streak to three as they go up against Tanduay on March 6, Monday, still at the JCSGO Gym. Blustar, meanwhile, will face Wangs Basketball next this Thursday, March 2, at the Ynares Arena in Pasig City. Both games are set at 3:00 PM.
The Scores:
Batangas (92) – Sedurifa 21, Sara 14, Ablaza 13, Dela Pena 9, Isit 9, Mangabang 8, Andrada 4, De Joya 4, Laude 4, Ada 2, Fortu 2, Inciong 2, Lascano 0.
Blustar (68) – Perez 19, Melano 17, Liaw 12, Mak 6, Kwaan 6, Ong 5, Choong 2, Ang 1, Gan 0, Heng 0, Kamalrulzaman 0, Liew 0, Mokles 0, Chin 0.
Quarterscores: 19-13; 46-30; 72-56; 92-68.
