The 2007-Bad Boys Wings and the 2000-Core Pacific grabbed the early lead in the race for finals slots in Division B of the 23rd SHAABAA basketball tournament.
This after 2007 defeated the 2004-BMEG, 62-55, to take a 1-0 lead in Game 1 of the best-of-three affair last Wednesday at the Ateneo de Cebu basketball courts along Mango Avenue.
Wide-bodied big man Leigh Dixon proved unstoppable inside, scoring 27 points on 12-of-16 shooting and grabbing 17 rebounds.
2000 also edged title-favorites 2003-Cebu Landmasters, 46-45.
The bruising tandem of Joseph Lo and JV Canizares proved too much to handle for 2003 as the former had 11 points while the latter collected 10 points, 12 rebounds, four assists, three steals and two blocks.
In Division C, the 2015-People’s General beat the 2013-Hyksos Seafood Restaurant, 60-59.
Niño Araw-Araw bested his elder brother Arc Gabrielle in a scintillating backcourt match-up, scoring 18 points to the latter’s 16.
The 2011-Chioson Development also squeaked past the 2009-Crossfit Subtero, 52-51.
In Division A, the 1990-Bayfront bested the 1998-Toyota Mabolo, 30-22, while the 1996-Vic Enterprises beat the 1997-Top Shift Motors, 54-50.