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Batangas ambushed Blustar Detergent early to cruise to a 92-68 victory and post its first winning streak in the 2017 PBA D-League Aspirants’ Cup Tuesday at JCSGO Gym in Cubao.
Dan Sara contributed nine markers in the Batangueños’ 27-point second quarter, where they erected a 46-30 halftime edge and led by as much as 24, 82-58, midway through the fourth canto.
Joseph Sedurifa scattered 21 points, 12 rebounds, and four assists while Sara got 14 markers, nine assists, and four boards to give Batangas back-to-back victories and hike its record to 3-4.
Cedrick Ablaza also tallied a double-double of 13 points and 14 rebounds that went with four steals.
“Of course, if we can win, we must go for the win. But we’re not in a hurry. Everything that’s happening for us is already a bonus. But our focus is to improve on what we have right now and build on that,” said Batangas coach Eric Gonzales.
The win also kept Batangas’ quarterfinals hopes alive with two games remaining in its schedule.
Tristan Perez topped Blustar, which fell out of playoff contention, with 19 points and seven rebounds, while Jason Melano got 17 markers, eight boards, three assists, and two blocks in the defeat, which was the Dragons’ sixth straight.
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.
Quarters: 19-13, 46-30, 72-56, 92-68.