Puresteel Batch 2011 reigns supreme in Division B of SHAABAA Season 27

CEBU, Philippines — The Puresteel Manufacturing Corp. Batch 2011 swept the ZLREJ Trading and Construction Batch 2010 in their best-of-three finals series with a decisive 81-69 victory in Game 2 to grab the championship crown in Division B of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 27 over the weekend at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Batch 2011 actually lost a double-digit edge, 24-14, after the first 10 minutes of play as Batch 2010 pulled within just a hairline, 37-38, at the break.

But Batch 2011 regained its offensive bearing in the second half to blow up its lead to a high as 15 points, 77-62, in the closing minutes of the contest that sent Batch 2010 reeling the rest of the way.

Kiefer Lim delivered a spectacular triple-double of 23 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists laced with three steals in an all-around hardcourt brilliance for Batch 2011 that earned him the Finals Most Valuable Player trophy.

Bradley Bacaltos chipped in with 18 points, four rebounds, and three assists, Franz Pacheco added 14 points and eight boards, while Kris Porter contributed 13 points, six rebounds, three assists, and four steals.

Bernard Chioson had his fair share of limelight with a double-double of 10 points and 13 rebounds spiked with one assist, and three steals for Batch 2011.

More importantly, Chioson made it to the elite Mythical Five together with season MVP Elddie Cabahug of Batch 2005, Mark Blanco of Batch 2006, Jasper Diaz of Batch 2010, and Franco Augusto Te of Batch 2004. Antonio Datan of Batch 2005 was honored as the Defensive Player of the Year.

Under the tutelage of coach Titing Manalili, the other members of Puresteel Batch 2011 champion team are Franz Gabuya, Daniel Roska, Karlo Sibi, Admario Leoncio, Lance Co, Clark Solon, Kyle Siao, Bernard Lopez, and Kristian Jumao-as.

In Division C, the defending champion Nest Workspaces Batch 2013 lashed back at Xchange Forex Batch 2018, 89-81, to force a rubber match in their race-to-2 title duel.

Fletcher Galvez showed the way for Batch 2013 with 22 points, 10 rebounds,  three steals, and two blocks.

Rendell Senining tallied 21 markers on top of six boards, one assist, and four steals, Arc Araw-araw netted 17 points, one assist, four rebounds, and two steals, while Emman Malazarte donated 14 points, six rebounds, and three assists for Batch 2013. — (FREEMAN)