Petron Goldberry retains SHAABAA crown

CEBU, Philippines - Petron Goldberry relied on a strong endgame kick to down the RDAK Stallions, 62-59, in the deciding match of their best-of-three finals series and successfully defend its title in the 20th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Cup last Wednesday at the Magis Eagles gym of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu gym in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

 In finishing off the equally-tough Stallions, four Petron Goldberry players cashed in double figures led by Justin Huang with 14 points.

Leigh Dixon, Job Shan, and Ed Macasling each scored 12 to underscore Goldberry's balanced offensive. They trailed for most of the way, including at 43-48 after three quarters, but turned the tables on RDAK using a 19-11 run in the windup.

 Jair Igna unloaded a game-high 21 points and Flacher Galvez nailed 16 markers but to no avail as the Stallions could not sustain their momentum after stunning Goldberry in the series opener. Lucky Ecarma and Adrison Gaviola finished with 10 points apiece in a losing cause.  (FREEMAN)