Batch 2013 fends off 2004 in battle of unbeatens

CEBU, Philippines —  The Nest Workspaces Batch 2013 prevailed over ‘04 The Win Batch 2004 via close 72-70 decision in a battle of undefeated teams in the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 last Wednesday night, May 20, at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City. 

Emman Malazarte bagged 17 points with nine rebounds, three assists and one steal as Batch 2013 erased a 14-point deficit in the first half to turn back Batch 2004 and take the solo leadership in Division B with an immaculate 3-0 slate.

Arc Araw-araw added 14 points, four rebounds, five assists and a steal while JJ Ong chipped in 13 markers with nine boards and three dimes for Batch 2013, which took 64-52 lead midway in the fourth quarter and then fended off a spirited endgame rally by Batch 2004 to escape with a two-point win.

Ervin Lopena fired 27 points with nine rebounds, one assist and one steal while Franco Te banged in 24 points with eight rebounds, three assists and as many steals but their impressive showing went to the dustbin as Batch 2003 saw its three-game winning streak come to a screeching halt.

On the other hand, Eroll Pastor and Benedict Andre Chua both produced a double-double as the defending champion Core+ Batch 2018 outlasted FADI Batch 2021, 68-64, to move on top of Division C standings with a 4-1 win-loss card.

Pastor posted 16 points and 10 rebounds with three assists while Chua tossed in 10 points and 17 rebounds with four assists and a steal.

Andrew Velasco was the other double-digit scorer for Batch 2018 with 11 points, two rebounds, six assists and two steals.

In the other Division C matches, the BRX Batch 2015 improved to 3-1 with a 114-73 annihilation of Batch 2024 while Batch 2014 evened its record at 2-2 after thrashing CHEK Technologies Batch 2025, 81-65.

Lorenzo Otero paced Batch 2015 with 24 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two steals followed by Chaz Cokaliong with 23 points, eight rebounds and four assists.

Lucky Ecarma showed the way for Batch 2014 with a dazzling double-double of 29 points 17 rebounds with seven assists and a steal. He was backed up by Jair Igna with 13 points, four rebounds and two assists.