Batches 1999 and 2006 notched victories last Sunday to earn the top seeds of their respective brackets in the University of Southern Philippines Foundation Alumni Association Panthers Cup Season 2 Inter-Batch Basketball Tournament at the Capitol Parish Gym.
Batch 1999 cruised past 1991, 89-73, with Melvin Bacalla tallying 21 points. Meanwhile, Batch 1998 trounced the reigning champions 1992, 59-48, as Keith Andaya scored 16 markers.
Both 1999 and 1998 ended up with the same win-loss record at 6-1, but the former gained the top spot in Bracket A by virtue of their win over the latter in the elimination round.
Batch 1995 also routed 1997, 71-40, as Ramel Tambolero notched 21 points. Batch 1996 also closed out their campaign in the tournament with a 59-51 victory over 1994. Junjie Aclan scored 13 markers to power 1996 to the win.
Batches 1999 and 1998 will hold a twice-to-beat advantage over 1992 and 1995 in the crossover semifinals.
Over in Bracket B, 2006 ended the elims on a high note, as they picked up two victories to send them to the top spot. They first defeated 2008, 60-44, with Jam Ferraren producing 15 points and five rebounds, before putting down 2002, 76-64. Ferraren once again shone for his batch, scoring 20 points in the win.
2006 finished the elims with a 7-1 card and will face 2011 in the semifinals. They will have a twice-to-beat advantage. The other semis showdown will see 2008 taking on 2001, with the former holding a twice-to-beat bonus.
Batch 2011 also got two wins on Sunday to get the last ticket to the playoffs. They defeated 2003, 62-55, and then put down 2014, 64-47, to get to 6-2.
Batch 2001 also bested 2008, 52-49, to get the win and nab the third seed.
Batch 2003 finished their stint in this tournament with a rousing 73-69 win over 2000.