Core+ Batch 2018 repeat as Division C champions

CEBU, Philippines — The Core+ Batch 2018 outclassed BRX Batch 2015, 92-77, in the deciding game of their best-of-three finals to emerge as back-to-back champions in Division C of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 last Sunday, August 9, at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Franz Ray Diaz sizzled with 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists, and a steal for Batch 2018 of coach Rommel Rasmo while Finals Most Valuable Player Patrick Wilson Yu added 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, one steal, and blocked two shots.

Patrick Yu also formed part of the Mythical 5 together with season MVP Lucky Ecarma of Batch 2014 and the Chua brothers Benedict Andre (Batch 2018), Anton Bennett (Batch 2015), and Benj Antoni (Batch 2026).

Andre Chua, the Defensive Player of the Year, produced a double-double of 17 points and 13 rebounds for Batch 2018, which took full control of the rubber match since taking a 23-15 lead at the end of the opening period.

Batch 2018 closed the first half with a double-digit 48-36 advantage, which they stretched to as much as 15 points at the final buzzer.

Interestingly, Batch 2018 successfully defended their throne without three key players in Christian Manaytay, Jed Colonia, and Andrew Velasco.

Colonia and Manaytay had important engagements in Manila while Velasco is out with achilles tear, which was taken care of by fellow Ateneo Hearter Dr. Pierre Mella of Batch 2000, a degenerative and oncologic spine surgeon from Asian Orthopedics Center, in an admirable show of alumni spirit.

Chaz Cokaliong paced Batch 2015 with 20 points, two rebounds, and one assist.

Janjan Jaboneta delivered an 18-point, 17-rebound double-double with two assists and two steals, while Niño Araw-Araw scattered 11 points, nine rebounds, and four assists in a losing cause.