Cebu Landmasters Batch 2003 crowned Division A champions

CEBU, Philippines — The Cebu Landmasters Batch 2003 swept ARQ Batch 2001 in their best-of-three finals with a decisive 81-62 Game 2 victory to emerge as Division A champions of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 29 on Sunday, August 2, at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Under the guidance of decorated coach Mike Reyes, Batch 2003 unleashed an explosive second-half performance to lift its first trophy since winning back-to-back crowns in Division B back in 2023.

Justin Huang showed why he is the season Most Valuable Player after powering the team of esteemed businessman-sportsman Jose Franco Soberano to title glory with a solid double-double of 20 points and 10 rebounds on top of three assists and a steal.

Huang, who is also the Defensive Player of the Year, was joined in the elite Mythical 5 by his teammate Daryle Tan, Jason Arquisola and Mark Hing of Batch 2001, and Roderick Mangubat of Big Three Pizza Batch 1996.

Three other Batch 2003 players cracked double figures, including Raymond Dennis Tan with 19 points on an efficient 8-of-9 shooting from the field. He also had two rebounds, one assist, and a spectacular seven steals.

Daryle Tan added 16 points, eight rebounds, three assists, three steals, and two blocks in an all- around hardcourt brilliance that earned him the Finals MVP award.

Dennis Lanorias chipped in 11 points for Batch 2003, which trailed by eight points, 20-28, in the second period but staged a sizzling 28-16 counter-attack to seize command of the match, 57-50, after three quarters.

Sustaining its momentum, Batch 2003 staged a game-closing 24-12 rally to zap Batch 2001 by 19 points in the end.

Overall, Batch 2003 outclassed Batch 2001 in the final half, 52-28.

Mark Hing led Batch 2001 with 13 points and seven rebounds. Carlo Villarica was the only other double-digit scorer for the ARQ-backed squad with 11 points and two rebounds.

Already struggling on the offensive end, Batch 2001 was further hurt by its 29 turnovers, which Batch 2003 translated into 28 points. — (FREEMAN)