Batangas Tanduay surged in the third quarter and held off South Cotabato’s final push to claim an 81-79 victory on Monday, forcing a Game Three decider in the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League Sixth Season South Division playoffs at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Trailing 40-41, the Rum Masters went on a 16-point run, capped by two three-pointers from Jong Baloria, seizing control with 6:24 left in the third quarter and maintaining their lead until the final buzzer.
With Philip Paniamogan sinking two free throws, the Rum Masters built their largest lead at 60-44, avenging their 76-87 Game One loss to the Warriors in the best-of-three semifinal series.
The Quezon Huskers, who swept the Paranaque Patriots, will now await the winner of the Game Three showdown between the Rum Masters and Warriors, set for Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. at the Batangas City Coliseum.
Despite South Cotabato narrowing the gap to 74-80 late in the game, MJ Dela Virgen’s drive and a free throw from Baloria sealed the game at 81-74 with 36.6 seconds left.
Christian Fajarito scored for South Cotabato, and after Batangas’ Levi Hernandez missed two free throws with 6.5 seconds remaining, JP Calvo hit a buzzer-beater three-pointer to finalize the score.
Levi Hernandez led Batangas with 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks, earning him the Daily Fantasy best player honors.
Other key players for Coach Cholo Villanueva included Baloria, who added 14 points, 4 assists, and 3 rebounds; Paniamogan with 13 points and 4 rebounds; Dawn Ochea with 7 points and 7 rebounds; CJ Isit with 7 points and 4 assists; and Cedric Ablaza with 6 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
For South Cotabato, Nico Elorde contributed 13 points and 5 rebounds, Jervy Cruz had 11 points with 2 rebounds and 2 assists, Kyle Tolentino added 10 points and 3 rebounds, and Jammer Jamito chipped in 10 points and 9 rebounds.
Calvo rounded out the effort with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals, while Val Acuna and Christian Fajarito, the Game One standout, each scored 8 points.
