Batch ‘93 downs ’95 in Don Bosco caging

CEBU, Philippines - Batch '93 shrugged off a sluggish start then rode on a sizzling offensive at the endgame to turn back Batch '95, 64-60, in the Bosconian Basketball Club's Don Bosco Cup 2013 last Sunday at the University of San Carlos (USC)-North Campus gym.

Batch '93 trailed by eight points after the first 10 minutes of play, 5-13, but slowly crept back to forge a 37-all deadlock at the end of the third period. They then outlasted Batch '95 in the windup to escape with a four-point win.

In the other games, Amchel never looked back after a 12-6 start on the way to pummel Plas, 50-43, while Batch 2009 staged a blistering final-half surge to crush DBUFC, 67-54.

After posting an 18-11 lead at halftime, Amchel toned down on the offensive end but regained its bearing the final quarter to pin down Plas.

Batch 2009, on the other hand, was ahead by only six after three quarters, 40-34, but mauled DBUFC in the remaining 10 minutes of play to come up with a 13-point romp.

In the final match of a heavy quadruple-header, Batch '98 handed first conference champion Bullvets their second straight loss, 63-57. Bullvets stayed within striking distance for most of the way, but couldn't pull through with Batch '98 playing steadier down the stretch.

A total of 10 teams are seeing action in the tournament organized by the Don Bosco alumni.They will play in a single round robin format, with the top four teams per bracket advancing into the quarterfinals with twice-to-beat advantage over the lower-ranked qualifiers.

The winners will then proceed into the crossover semifinals wherein the survivors will slug it out for the championship in a best-of-three series, while the losers will fight for third place in a winner-take-all affair. (FREEMAN)