WITH their backs against the wall, the Batch 2006 Vipers played with great intensity and fashioned out a pulsating 83-82 triumph over Batch 2002 Abellanians in Game 2 of their best-of-three championship series in the Abellana National School Alumni Basketball League (ANSABL) at the Cebu City Sports Institute on Sunday, June 30, 2019.
Neil Jacaban calmly knocked down two free throws with 13 seconds left to play to give the Vipers a four-point lead, 83-79, before Raymar Yap of Batch 2002 scored on a put back on the other end for the final tally.
Rosel Cuesta scored 14 points, grabbed two rebounds, dished out five assists and had four steals to help Batch 2006 tie the series at 1-all and extend it to a decisive Game 3.
Cuesta got the much-needed support from Celestino Manolo Jr., who had 14 points, five rebounds, one assists and a steal; and Jacaban who chipped in 11 points, seven rebounds, one assist and one steal.
Yap scored a game-high 18 points on top of eight rebounds, five assists, two steals and one block in a losing effort for Batch 2002. Ruben Rentucan handed 15 points while Joseph Pelayo added nine.
The first game was also a close one with Batch 2002 escaping with a 92-89 win.
In the ‘90s category, Batch 1995 defeated Batch 1996, 89-86, to also force a deciding Game 3.
Alfonso Ole II led Batch 1995 with 18 points, 10 rebounds and two assists.
Kiernel Remedio poured in 17 points, two rebounds, four assists and three steals, while Ronnie Caballes pitched in 12 points nine rebounds, two assists and one steal for Batch 1995.
Marlon Mariano’s all-around game went to naught as Batch 2006 came a few points short for a title in Game 2. Mariano filled the stats sheets with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds to go along with seven assists, two blocks and one steal.
Brent Esmer Escultor contributed 15 points, Geoper Perez handed 11 and Remil Espina chipped in 10 in a losing effort.
The winner-take-all Game 3 for both the categories will be played on Sunday at the same venue.
The inaugural tournament is organized to promote camaraderie among the alumni of ANS. Part of the proceeds will be donated to the school’s student-athletes through the ANS Alumni office. RSC