The big men of 2015 and 2003 battle for position in their SHAABAA semifinal game. | contributed photo
Cebu City, Philippines—Batch 2015 took down the 2003-Cebu Landmasters, 65-61, in overtime in the round-robin semifinals of the 2019 SHAABAA Summer League Bad Boys Wingz Cup on Sunday, May 5, 2019, at the Magis Eagles Arena.
2015 already had the inside track on the win as they led by 14, 45-31, early in the fourth before 2003 staged a furious comeback led by Moncrief Rogado and Jan Jaca, the latter scoring a layup that tied the score at 55-all and force overtime.
Rogado scored a jumper that gave 2003 its last taste of the lead at 61-60, before 2015’s big man Adrian Gaviola answered with a deuce to shove his team back in front, 62-61, with 1:03 to go.
A bad pass by Lery Chik was turned to two free-throws by Daniel Mayol for a 64-61 2015 lead. Later, a free-throw by guard Nino Araw-Araw sealed the huge win for 2015.
Steven Co led 2015 with 15 points and nine rebounds while Anton Chua put up 12 markers, six rebounds and three assists. Mayol finished with 10 points and six rebounds.
2015 got 34 points and 15 boards from Rogado.
In the other game, Batch 2000 clobbered 2013, 63-35, behind the 20 points, 15 rebounds, four assists, two blocks and steal of Joevince Canizares. Dave Ting added 11 while Joseph Lo had just five points but more than made up for it with 13 rebounds, five assists and three steals.
2000 now leads the semifinal pack with a 2-0 win-loss record while 2015 and 2003 are tied at 1-1. 2013 remains winless in two games so far. The top two finishers of this round will advance to the finals. /bmjo