Harley Davidson Batch 2012 nears title repeat in SHAABAA Division B

CEBU, Philippines — Reigning champions Harley Davidson Batch 2012 rode on a spirited endgame fightback to draw first blood against Hatch IT Solutions Batch 2010, 70-66, in the best-of-three Division B 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 Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Dave Wilson Yu produced a solid double-double of 25 points and 12 rebounds with one assist and three steals while Julius Cadavis nearly had a triple-double with 14 points, 13 rebounds and eight assists aside from blocking five shots as Batch 2012 moved one step closer towards keeping its throne.

Batch 2012 worked hard for the win.

The Harley Davidson-backed squad opened the game with an 8-0 blitz but Batch 2010 fought back with savvy to seize the upper hand, 15-14, after the first period and even led by as much as 11 points, 33-22, late in the first half.

Batch 2010 maintained a six-point edge, 53-47, at the end of the third quarter but Batch 2012 staged a daring counter-attack to pull within a hairline, 58-59, and then completed its big comeback with a game-closing 12-7 run.

Aaron Baldwin Sing was the other double-digit scorer for Batch 2012 with 11 points, two assists and a steal.

Jasper Diaz exploded for 31 points with 12 rebounds, two assists, three steals, and a block but his impressive all-around performance went to the dustbin for Batch 2010.

Game 2 of the title series is slated on August 2.