Core+ Batch 2018 on cusp of back-to-back crowns

CEBU, Philippines — The defending champions Core+ Batch 2018 fended off the BRX Batch 2015, 75-71, to draw first blood in the best-of-three Division C finals of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Eroll Pastor delivered a double-double show of 21 points and 10 rebounds while Franz Ray Diaz stuffed the stat sheet with 18 points, nine rebounds, six assists and two steals as Batch 2018 moved a win away from retaining its title.

Christian Manaytay also figured prominently with 12 points, five rebounds, one assist, and two blocks as well as Benedict Andre Chua with eight points, 10 rebounds, two assists, one steal and one block for the winning side.

Batch 2018 actually saw its huge 21-point lead, 72-51, early in the fourth quarter evaporate after Batch 2015 launched a blistering 20-3 rally but hung tough to escape with a four-point victory.

Anton Chua paced Batch 2015 with 16 points, nine rebounds, three assists, and two blocks followed by Janjan Jaboneta with 15 points, 14 rebounds, four assists, two steals, and a block.

Steven Co also tallied 15 markers with nine rebounds while Lorenzo Otero dished out 11 points, nine rebounds, one assist and one steal in a losing effort.

Game 2 of the series is set for August 2. – EBV