Team OGs tallied win number 3 in the elimination round of the APCRAA Basketball Tournament 2018 season after defeating Team Alpha, 89-75 on Saturday, August 4 at the Asia Pacific College Gymnasium.
Mhar Paraiso had a double-double game, scoring 21 points and grabbing 17 boards. Jon Batuhan scored 20 points in this game, enough to become the 2nd player in ABT history to join the 500-points club.
Jap Puente of Team Alpha had another scoring blast with 30 points with 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Jaycee Magsalos scored 27 points with 9 rebounds and 6 assists.
With only 6 players available, Team Alpha stood their ground as they held on to the lead, keeping the score close througout the game. The trio of Magsalos, Puente, and Peter Bautista were in the game for its entirety.
The turning point was when Ian Baluyut fouled out at the 7:12 mark of the fourth quarter. From then on and with two more Alpha players in foul trouble, Team OGs pounced on their opponents and pulled away with the victory as the final buzzer sounded.
Short ceremonies also took place that day to recognize the two players from Team OGs who have scored more than 500 career points in the tournament’s history. JP Redelick was honored before the game for earning the feat last week, then Batuhan was likewise recognized after the game. ABT Commissioner and APCRAA President Dann Garcia presented the tournament ball to them in each ceremony at center court.
Team OGs will be back in action on August 11 and will face their rival Team 2K15, while Team Alpha will return on August 18 against Team Bumblebees.
THE SCORES (FIBA LiveStats):
OGs (89): Paraiso 21, Batuhan 20, Timbre 18, Redelick 15, Rivera 6, Go 5, Datukon 4, Agito 0, Artymiak 0, Pitallar 0
ALPHA (75): Puente 30, Magsalos 27, Dagatan 6, Baluyut 5, Caranto 5, Bautista 2
QUARTERSCORES: 18-15, 37-35, 55-55, 89-75