MOVING a game away from completing a remarkable achievement, defending champion Batch 1999/BMC Hospital Systems-Hainanese Delights had a walk in the park in trashing Batch 1990s/2001-AJL Surplus, 81-53, in Game 1 of the best-of-three finals of the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (Cecaba) 14th Dr. Chen Lieh Fu Memorial Cup last Thursday at the CEC Gym.
The 28-point blowout pushed Batch 1999 on the brink of a second straight crown and another perfect season. The champion squad proved too much to handle for Batch 1990s/2001, banking on its tremendous offensive firepower to stretch its winning run to 36 as it remained unbeaten since the previous season.
Mark Bukiron led the Batch 1999 onslaught by firing a game-high 28 points. Earn Saguindel and Albert Uy scored 12 markers each, while Troy Tan and Ruben Yap Jr. added a combined 17 points.
Starting the game like a house on fire, Batch 1999 raced to an early 16-6 lead and built a commanding 34-19 lead at the half.
Batch 1999 then finished off its opponent with 23-14 attack in the third.
Hounded by Batch 1999’s porous defense, Paul Martin Gabatan was limited to just 16 points. Tommy Yu finished with 15 markers, while Ryan Racal added 12.
Meanwhile, Batch 1995-La Nueva Pharmacy salvaged the third place trophy after escaping Batch 1996-Blakeley’s Motorcare, 64-62.
Donald Anthony Ting topscored for Batch 1995 with 21 points, while Michael Tan Bon Thong and Raymond Gollon chipped in 12 apiece.
Rex Allinson led the way for Batch 1996 with 35 markers, while Rogelio Donayre Jr. had 10.
THE SCORES
BATTLE-FOR-THIRD
BATCH 1995 (64)– Ting 21, Tan Bon Thong 12, Gollon 12, Dy Teves 8, Yu 7, Tiu 4.
BATCH 1996 (62)– Allinson 35, Donayre 10, Patiño 7, U. Chua 7, G. Chua 5.
FINALS
BATCH 1999 (81)– Bukiron 28, Saguindel 12, Uy 12, Tan 9, Yap 8, Lauron 4, Balila 3, See 2, Dabatos 2.
BATCH 1990S/2001(53)– Gabatan 16, Yu 15, Racal 12, Dela Torre 4, Lao 4, Co 2