To say that game 2 of the Maharlika Pilipinas Basketball League (MPBL) Semifinals matchup between the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters and the South Cotabato Warriors was extremely intense and highly physical is absolutely an understatement.
After losing game 1, the Rum Masters hosted the Warriors in game 2 at the Batangas City Coliseum on November 4, 2024. Although Batangas controlled the pace of the game throughout four periods, South Cotabato did not budge and continued to fight until the final buzzer. Unfortunately, a missed crucial basket by Nico Elorde led to the former’s victory over the latter, 81-79, forcing a game 3.
Hernandez Leads Fiery Battle in Game 2
Levi Hernandez was named the best player of the game after gathering 15 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 timely blocks. Hernandez did a lot on the floor, including talking a lot of trash and getting on his opponents’ nerves. The battle between the two Southern teams saw a lot of altercations, unsportsmanlike fouls, and coach’s challenges, which just proves how intense game 2 was in front of the Rum Masters’ home crowd. Phillip Panimoagan and Juneric Baloria, two of Batangas City’s top scorers (both are averaging 10 PPG), supported with 13 and 14 points, respectively. On the negative side, bruiser Vincent Importante may be suspended for game 3 after receiving a technical foul and an unsportsmanlike foul in just less than three minutes of play.
As for the Warriors, the small but terrible point guard Nico Elorde was terrific, putting up 13 points, 4 assists, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals. Meanwhile, after a tough 20-piece performance in game 1, Christian Fajarito was quiet in the first three quarters until he made a huge impact in the fourth, keeping the gap close.
Batangas and South Cotabato will meet for game 3 on November 7. They will be back at the Batangas City Coliseum for their do-or-die matchup. Whichever team advances will face the Quezon Huskers in the division finals.
Fuentes Leads Quezon to First-Ever Division Finals
Quezon’s Judel Ric Fuentes held his own against the two All-Stars of Parañaque to punch a ticket to the South Division finals. The Davao native finished the game with 27 points including 5 triples. Fuentes was calling all of the shots, taking up 30% of the team’s field goal attempts, and is the only Husker who scored double-digits.
The Patriots tried their best but despite John Paul Sarao’s 26 points and 8 rebounds plus Jielo Razon’s 15 points and 4 rebounds, they still fell short against the No.1 seed Huskers.
The Scores:
- Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters vs. South Cotabato Warriors (81-79)
- Quezon Huskers vs. Parañaque Patriots (76-69)
