It was a battle of the minds between Batang Isarog and defending champions Team Creations and Concepts to stay alive in the elimination round of Class-A Division of Subaru Cup 2012 of Pinoy Basketball Qatar.

In the end however, the defending champs successfully carried a strategic 12-point edge, 108-96, in the five-minute overtime period, if only to stay in the contention of the four-team booting out games on the way to the closing of 2nd elimination rounds on Friday.

Batang Isarog’s Rodel Mallari intentionally sacrificed his fifth foul with five seconds left and the game was tied with 88-all but Francis Mercado of Team Creations did not took the bait and himself intentionally never converted the baskets at the free throw line.

It was unusual for any team in basketball not to convert easy baskets but Team Creations have no choice than to do it to take a crack in the extension period and surpass the much-needed seven-point edge in winning the game to stay alive in the next round.

Batang Isarog was just trailing a slight edge in the three quarters, 19-18, 47-41 and 67-66 with reliable shooters of both teams trading baskets in the rainbow territory. The three-point shooting match involved Bong Caballero of Isarog with 22 points, Ronnie Cajayon of Team Creations with 27 points.

It was a sorry loss for Mallari and Caballero even though Mallari has contributed a big 34 points and 13 rebounds.

In the Division 2 semifinals, Dukhan Ballers edge out CEG International, 80-76 in the crucial ball interception with 13 seconds left before the final buzzer.

Natsco Garage also won over Flamin’ Go, 78-71 while KIA Motors beats QP Dukhan, 76-61.