GIVEN no chance to survive with a heavily-depleted roster, the ageless Ballpals Airron on Saturday, December 14, stunned reigning champ Ballpals Black, 53-58 to force a rubber match on Monday, December 16 in their best-of-3 title series for the the club's 40 up crown at Pelaez Sports Center.

The time-tested Ballpals club's christmas party will be held on Tuesday, December 17 at BOZ Restaurant along Tiano del Pilar street.

Without the reliable Nanding Abapo, Stev Panaz, `Ven Camon' Shimomae, GAT Tamayo, Vulture Balabat and Fortune Mendoza, the fightingest Ballpals Airron battled back from 13-point deficit with its man-to-man defense in the final fourth quarter to tie the series at 1-1.

This, as Ballpals Gray of Shian Galanida and Joseph Sumanga turned back the challenge of Ballpals Black, 53-39 for its second-straight victory to capture the 39-below crown.

"Ang Ballpals Airron ra sa 40-up ang wala nalaras. Patsada ilang depensa ug chemistry sa fourth quarter," said tournament commissioner Andit Mendoza, adding that more donors have surfaced to guarantee a memorable and festive christmas party for the city's most popular ballclub since 1991.

Playing for Ballpals Airron's Game 2 thriller are Froilan "Balong" Mabalot, Michael "Bongmark" Mercado, Larry Bagayna, Ariel Sicad, lawyer Dong Bonete, Villaganas and Dandan Guevarra.