The Petron-Goldberry and the RDAK Transporters started their title-retention bids on a winning note as they humbled their opponents in their respective divisions at the start of the 20th season of the SHAABAA Cup basketball tournament on Sunday at the Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles Arena in Canduman, Mandaue City.
Petron-Goldberry put down the Cebu Landmasters, 68-63, in Division A action while the Transporters manhandled Filmon Finishing Studio, 66-37, in Division B.
It was a nip-and-tuck affair between Petron-Goldberry and the Landmasters – the protagonists of last year’s championship series – with the former turning the tables on their nemesis in the third period, where they outscored their opponents, 23-9, to overhaul a 25-34 deficit and take a 48-43 lead heading to the final frame.
But the reigning champions simply had too much poise and craftiness down the stretch to hack out the season-opening win. New recruit Leigh Dixon led a balanced effort by the winners with 13 points while former pro Joel Co chipped in 10.
Kyle Valmoria scored 19 to pace the Landmasters while Christopher Consunji added 15.
Charleston Sia and Mark Tam led the Transporters with 11 and 10 points, respectively.
In other games in Division A, Filmon Prince Medallon got a combined 33 points from Kyle Siao and Jonathan Cimafranca to power the squad to a 65-44 win over Chick@Phil Basic.
The RDAK Stallions, on the other hand, leaned on a sizzling start to beat Bayfront Hotel Cebu, 67-58.
The Stallions were already ahead, 35-24, at halftime when they unleashed a 29-19 run in the third to take a 64-43 lead to the fourth.
Jason Ong led the Stallions in scoring with 22 points while former University of San Carlos Warriors guard Lucky Ecarma pitched in 13.
In Division B, Caltex Delo got 17 from Chris Aldeguer, 15 from Glenn Sevilla and 12 from Chad Cañares to push them past Autolab, 74-59, while Dynamic Power blasted White Gold Club, 71-59, behind the combined 40-point output of Valiant Ngo, Roderick Mangubat and Theogene Lim.
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