Alpha extends semis series vs ASPAC

Team Alpha wins a crucial game against Team ASPAC, 77-66, in the APCRAA Basketball Tournament (ABT) 2017 season men’s division semifinals on Saturday, August 19, at the APC Gymnasium.

With a twice-to-win disadvantage, Team Alpha forces a rubber match against the #1 seeded team on Saturday, August 26, with the winner advancing to the championship series on September 2.

Mark Jerome Rivera had his breakout game, finishing with 25 points, 16 rebounds and 3 blocks, pushing him ahead of the Rookie of the Year race. Jeru Castañares and Jhonel de Luna helped in the Alpha scoring chores, making 14 points each.

MVP candidate Mark Pagaduan topped Team ASPAC in scoring with 27 points, with 15 rebounds and 2 steals. Carlo Aboboto scored 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds.

Team Alpha, the only team that was able to defeat Team ASPAC in the eliminations, continued to be a thorn in ASPAC’s side as they controlled the tempo of the game from the first quarter. ASPAC tried to get momentum on their side but Alpha got crucial defensive stops in the game up to the final minutes.

How they scored: (FIBA LiveStats)

ALPHA (77): Rivera 25, Castanares 14, De Luna 14, Dosado 7, Canseco 7, Tagle 6, Montojo M 2, Ysulan 2, Esguerra 0

ASPAC (66): Pagaduan 27, Aboboto 19, Pe Benito 8, Gamboa 6, Ilustre 2, Magbitang 0, Plan 0

BOXSCORES: 23-15, 39-25, 55-40, 77-66