DEFENDING back-to-back champion Batch 1999/Southchoice Inc. clinched the top seeding going into the playoffs after it shackled Batch 1988/Dewfoam, 82-73, last Saturday in the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association (Cecaba) 15th Dr. Chen Lieh Fu Memorial Cup at the CEC Gym.
With only one game left in its assignment, Batch ’99 cemented its hold of the number one spot with a ninth win in 10 games and clinched one of the four twice-to-beat incentives in the quarterfinal round.
Top four teams in the quarters will only need to win once against their lower-ranked foes.
Mark Bukiron once again led Batch ’99 with his 39 points, six rebounds, two steals, two assists and two blocked shots. Earn Saguindel contributed 18 points, while Albert Uy chipped in 11 markers.
Richard Yu had his own solid game with 21 points, 19 boards, three assists and two blocked shots but Batch ’88 still stumbled to end the 11-game limination roundwith a 3-7 (win-loss) record.
In the other game, CEC-B/PTT /Roadstar assured itself of sport in the final eight after netted a 92-74 triumph over CEC-D/Dimsum Frito.
Rex Allinson keyed CEC-B’s fifth victory in 10 games by firing 16 markers. Joel Chan added 14 markers and eight rebounds, Ryan Chua had 10 markers and eight boards.
Tommy Yu collected 30 markers and 13 rebounds, Sherwin So pitched in 22 and Calvin Ang delivered 18 for CEC-D, which tasted its sixth defeat in 10 battles.