THE Author Solutions Inc. (ASI) Hardbacks dealt the Tech Mahindra Tech Mighties a historic blow to extend their quarterfinal duel in the Evo Division with a, 68-65 win Sunday in the Tanduay Athletics E-Leagues for Basketball Season 13 at the City Sports Club-Cebu basketball court.
The Hardbacks became the very first wildcard team in league history to beat a top seed.
After a close first period that ended with ASI up by one, 12-11, the Hardbacks uncorked a 24-14 run in the second to build a 36-25 lead at the half.
The Tech Mighties repeatedly tried to rally but the Hardbacks had an answer every time to hack out the hard-earned win.
Francis Manzanares led the Hardbacks with 19 points while Paolo Diputado added 10.
King Olbes and Robert Rebano each had 17 for Tech Mahindra.
The Optum Knights also brought down the second-seeded The Results Spartans, 72-70, to force a winner-take-all match. Mark Caumeran and Joman Garduque paced the Knights with 23 and 22, respectively.
There were no such upsets in the Elite Classic Division as the top-ranked Teleperformance All Stars and the Accenture Stars easily disposed of their opponents.
Teleperformance routed Telstra, 87-55, behind a stellar, 52-27 first half performance to book their spot in the Final Four. Gamaliel Bas led the All Stars with 15 points.
Accenture on the other hand, creamed the Wipro Tigers, 77-61, to advance to the semifinal round. Archie Batua tallied 12 while Jetro Gonzaga and James Navaja added 10 apiece for the dominant Sharks.