Batch 1999 overcomes 1995 in USPF alumni hoops

Batch 1999 crushed 1995, 81-57, to send a clear signal of their title aspirations in Division A of the University of Southern Philippines-foundation Alumni Inter-batch Basketball Tournament last Saturday at the USP-F gym in Lahug.

1999 splashed the writing on the wall as early as the first half as they zoomed off to a 57see 41 lead that they kept on building on until the final buzzer. Five different players scored in double-figures for 1999, typifying their balanced offensive.

Andy Pananganan had 14 points to lead the way for 1999, which also got 13 points and 13 rebounds from Luis Enero, 12 from Ramir Militante and 10 apiece from Marc Quiros and Melvin Bacalla.

In the other Division A game, Batch 1998 routed 1996, 97-77. Peter Tabasa was 1998’s high-point man with 24 points, six rebounds, two assists, and two steals. Ervin Caballero backed him up with 16 points as 1998 set the tone early, establishing a 22-6 lead that 1996 would not recover from.

In the lone Division B game, Batch 2012 turned things around in the second half to take down 2005, 63-54. 2005 was ahead, 31-25, at halftime but 2012 found their groove in the third period, outscoring their foes, 20-8, to take a 51-46 lead and eventually run away with the victory.

Gio Antigua led 2012 with 22 points and seven rebounds, while Clint Remedio added 17.