Batch 1996 completes semis cast in Division A

CEBU, Philippines — The Big Three Pizza Batch 1996 finished off Batch 2002, 88-74, to complete the Final Four cast in Division A of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Roderick Mangubat exploded for 36 points on an efficient 17-of-22 shooting from the field laced with three rebounds and three assists while Serg Go Bui nearly had a triple-double with 12 points, 15 rebounds, eight assists, and four steals in a dazzling all-around performance for Batch 1996.

Batch 2002 scored the game’s first four points but Batch 1996 fought back with savvy to seize control, 22-21, for good at the end of the first period.

Batch 1996 stretched its lead to a double digit, 45-35, at halftime before it peaked to 23 points, 86-63, in the closing minutes of the knockout match.

Andrew Po added 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, two steals, and a block for Batch 1996, which will face the top-ranked Cebu Landmasters Batch 2003 in the best-of-three semifinals beginning June 28.

Ryan Li paced Batch 2002 with 18 points, seven rebounds, five assists, and two steals. Mark Anthony Ynoc tallied 13 markers and four rebounds while Edmund Gaisano finished with 12 points, four rebounds, four assists, and one steal in a losing effort.