Biñan Holds Off Batangas City to Take Game 1 of MPBL South Semifinals
The Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX proved their composure under pressure, outlasting the Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters, 72–67, in a thrilling Game 1 of the MPBL South Division semifinals on Thursday at the Quezon Convention Center in Lucena City.
Led by Kenny Roger Rocacurva’s strong second-half surge, Biñan survived Batangas’ late rally to move one win away from a spot in the South Division Finals.
The Tatak Gel squad set the tone early, locking down Batangas on defense to take a 17–9 lead after the opening quarter. They stretched the advantage to 22–11, but Batangas responded through Juneric Baloria and Cedric Ablaza, trimming the deficit to 33–29 at halftime.
Biñan maintained their poise in the third quarter, scoring 25 points against Batangas’ 20, to enter the final frame with a 58–49 cushion.
Rocacurva Ignites Biñan’s Second-Half Push
Batangas City managed to tie the game at 60-all after an 11-point burst highlighted by the three-pointer of Baloria, but Biñan quickly regained control. Rocacurva, Marc Pingris, and Carlo Lastimosa powered a counterattack that restored a 66–62 lead with under three minutes left.
Ablaza scored on a drive to bring Batangas within two, 64–66, before Jaymar Gimpayan took over in the closing stretch—scoring six straight points, including four crucial free throws—to seal Biñan’s Game 1 victory.
Rocacurva led all Biñan scorers with 18 points, six rebounds, two assists, and a steal, while Lastimosa added 15 points, six rebounds, and three assists. Gimpayan contributed eight points, three rebounds, and an assist, stepping up when it mattered most.
Team Stats and Key Numbers
Biñan shot 37% (23/62) from the field compared to Batangas’ 35% (23/64). The Tatak Gel also dominated the boards, 44–40, and earned more points inside the paint, 30–18.
They converted 21 of 31 free throws (67%), while Batangas made 13 of 15 (86%). Batangas held edges in assists (21–14), steals (9–7), and blocks (6–0), but Biñan’s control of the rebounds and paint proved decisive.
Batangas’ Effort Falls Short
Despite the loss, the Rum Masters put up a strong fight.
- Baloria led Batangas with 15 points, four rebounds, one assist one steal, and a block.
- Ablaza followed with 14 points, five rebounds, two blocks, one assist, and a steal.
- Levi Hernandez chipped in 11 points, six rebounds, three assists, one steal, and a block.
- Joshua Torralba contributed 10 points, four boards and a steal.
However, Batangas’ inability to sustain their fourth-quarter momentum allowed Biñan to close out the game with key defensive stops and clutch free throws.
One Win Away from the South Division Finals
With the win, the Biñan Tatak Gel Beast Motorcycle GameX now hold a 1–0 series lead and can advance to the MPBL South Division Finals with another victory.
They’ll look to finish the job when they face Batangas City Tanduay Rum Masters again on Saturday, November 8, at the Batangas Province Events Center.
The Scores:
Biñan 72 – Roeacurva 18, Lastimosa 15, Gimpayan 8, Raymundo 5, Lopez 5, Pingris 4, Ballesteros 4, Sabido 3, Peñaredondo 3, Maestre 3, Hernandez 2, Pido 2, Bonifacio 0.
Batangas 67 – Baloria 15, Ablaza 14, Hernandez 11, Torralba 10, Paniamogan 5, Cruz 4, Dela Virgen 3, Ochea 3, Apinan 2, Ambulodto 0, Isit 0, Importante 0.
Quarter Scores: 17-9, 33-29, 58-49, 72-67.
