BATCH 1997 pulled to within a win away from grabbing the title in Division B as it clobbered Dynacast 2001, 65–54, in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals in the PLDT SME Nation-Alfredo Gothong 21st SHAABAA Cup basketball tournament last weekend at the Magis Eagles Arena inside the Ateneo de Cebu campus in Canduman, Mandaue City.
Batch 1997 had a slow start but ramped it up in the next 30 minutes of action to outclass its opponents and earn the series-opening win.
The winners trailed, 8-15, after the first canto but grabbed the lead at halftime, 23-22. The second half was all Batch 1997 as it took control of the game’s pace and tempo and never let it go until the final buzzer.
Magdaleno Sy was Batch 1997’s finest offensive weapon in Game 1 as he scored 16 points while Walter Ong backed him up with 13 markers. Chad Go also scored in double-figures with 11.
Batch 1997 will try to wrap the series up in Game 2 on Wednesday at the Ateneo de Cebu basketball courts along Mango Avenue.
Carlo Villarica tried to will Dynacast to the win but fell short in spite of his 20 points.
The third place trophy in Division B, meanwhile, was won by Choobi Bay Crab and Shrimp 1991 as it edged AutoLAB 1999, 67–66.
Dennis Que led the way for the victors with 28 points while Stanley Ong chipped in 18.
In Division C, Gateway 2007 closed in on the championship after beating Kitrol 2003, 65–51.
Gateway ran off to a 34-21 lead and never looked back to stand a win away from claiming the crown in this division.
Arnold Sean Go was at the tip of Gateway’s searing attack with 16 points while Brennon Kent Gothong and Karl Gajudo got 13 and 11 points, respectively. Raymund Ortiz also had 10 of his own to help Gateway’s championship cause.