DEFENDING champion Batch 1999 / BMC Hospital Systems-Hainanese Delights and Batch 1990s/2001-AJL Surplus showed no signs of rust coming off a long layoff as they blasted separate opponents at the start of the semifinal round of the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (Cecaba) 14th Dr. Chen Lieh Fu Memorial Cup last Thursday at the CEC Gym.
With four of its five scorers winding up in double figures, Batch 1999 nipped Batch 1996-Blakeley’s Motorcare, 78-71, while Batch 1990s/2001, drawing another big game from Paul Martin Gabatan, took down Batch 1995-La Nueva Pharmacy, 71-55.
The two winning squads, which took a few weeks off after qualifying to the semifinals following a one-two finish in the elimination round, moved a win away from arranging a championship showdown.
Mark Bukiron paced Batch 1999 with 22 points, five rebounds and four assists, while Albert Uy added 21 markers. Batch 1999 remained undefeated dating back to the previous season, stretching its amazing winning streak to 33.
Rex Allinson topped Batch 1996 with 24 points.
Gabatan, on the other hand, led the way for Batch 1990S/2001 with 25 points, eight rebounds, four steals, four assists and one block.
Joseph James Yu spearheaded Batch 1995 with 14 points.
THE SCORES
FIRST GAME
BATCH 1990S/2001 (71)– Gabatan 25, Yu 20, Dela Torre 9, Go 8, Lao 4, Tan 3, Lopez 2.
BATCH 1995 (55)– Yu 14, Ting 12, Gollon 9, Dy Teves 7, Ong 6, Chica 5, Tiu 2.
SECOND GAME
BATCH 1999 (78)– Bukiron 22, Uy 21, Saguindel 18, Yap 15, Tan 2.
BATCH 1996 (71)– Allinson 24, Ang 18, Wang 11, Baron 10, Chua 4, Donayre 4