Marcus Fuentes outshines brother Tristan in SHAABAA sibling rivalry

CEBU, Philippines — Brothers Rey Marcus Fuentes IV and Rey Tristan Fuentes V competed against each in an intense sibling rivalry that was an exciting sidelight during last Sunday’s games of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 27 at the Magis Eagles Arena of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Interestingly, both of them top scored for their respective teams.

But playing on opposite sides, only one of them came out celebrating success.

That honor went to the older one.

Marcus outshined his younger brother Tristan as FADI Batch 2021 pummeled Bright Lamps N’ Style Batch 2022, 85-61, to take the solo second place in Division C with a clean 2-0 record.

Marcus whipped up a double-double show of 15 points and 10 rebounds laced with four assists and a spectacular six steals for Batch 2021, which kept its rivals at bay since launching a decisive 15-2 opening attack.

Brandon Largo banged in 13 points, seven rebounds, four assists and two steals, Anskie McLouisse Espina netted 11 points on top of 10 boards, while Elian Amores and Melchizedek Herrera each scored 10 to vault Batch 2021 to masterful 24-point demolition of Batch 2022.

Like his big bro, Tristan also produced impressive numbers, filling up the stats sheet with a game-high 19 points, one rebound, two assists, and four steals.

But in sharp contrast to his brother, Tristan went home on a pensive mood as Batch 2022 tasted its first loss in two starts

Still in Division C, Rendell Senining scattered 20 points, four rebounds, seven assists, and four steals as the defending champion Nest Workspaces Batch 2013 pounded GAB Airconditioning Batch 2023, 110-74, to firm up its grip of the solo lead with a perfect 3-0 record.

Four others hit twin digits for Batch 2013. Emman Malazarte cashed in 17 points and 10 rebounds, Fletcher Galvez finished with 16 points and 10 boards, while Jacob Lee and Matthew Mina added 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Not to be outdone, Lucky Ecarma fired 24 points, nine rebounds, three assists and two steals, while Jair Igna and Gio Laguyo connived for 25 points as the Cebu Landmasters/CloudKart Batch 2014 outclassed Xchange Forex Batch 2018, 64-48.

The Global Star Motors Batch 2020 also emerged victorious  via a lopsided 68-51 decision against CSAS Batch 2024 behind the 26-point explosion of Mitch Almodal. — (FREEMAN)