Class '95 ousts '94 in CECABA shocker

The seventh-ranked Rocket Battery '95 sprung one major surprise as it ousted the second-seed Dendramil Merchandizing '94, 72-69, to advance into the semifinal round of the Cebu Eastern College Alumni Basketball Association's 8th Dr. Chen Lieh Fu Memorial Cup on Thursday at the City Sports Club Cebu gym.

In the other sudden-death duel, Young Builders '91 went strong in the first half to terminate Chester Enterprises '67/83, 79-70, and complete the four-team semifinal cast in Division I with Dewfoam '88, Asian Home Appliance '89/93, and Armour Wood '81/85.

Donald Anthony Ting did a one-man wrecking crew, pouring in 16 of his topscoring 28 points in the second half for Class '95. When his teammates ran out of bullets when they needed it most, Ting came up with timely answer to every offensive of Class '94.

Raymond Gollon and Archie Gue each contributed 10 points to back up Ting and at the same time offset the absence of one of their top gunners in Joseph James Yu.

It was an air-tight battle all the way highlighted by a 50-all deadlock at the end of the third period.

In the closing minutes of the game, Class '95 played with grace under heavy pressure on the way to pull off one of the biggest upsets in the league this season.

Thus, Class '95 became the only one out of the five teams that forged do-or-die games over their higher-ranked foes to withstang the tough test and breeze through the next round.

Class '95 joined defending champion Big Boss '96, JRJ Enterprises 2000, and Hannah's Cakes and Decors 2004 in the Division II semis phase.

Anwar Satina unloaded 14 of his game-high 33 points in the fourth quarter, but his tag partner Wellington Yu was handcuffed to only 14 points as the heavily-favored Class '94 unexpectedly went into a timely summer vacation.

Earlier, Tommy Yu had 24 points, while Juan Borromeo Jr. and Kevin Co fired 12 markers apiece for Class '91, which used a fierce 44-32 attack in the first half to baffle Class '67/83 the rest of the way and stave off early elimination.

The ageless Zotico Tan tossed in a season-high 27 points, 14 in the fourth period, but got only support from Stephen Tan with 14 as Class '67/83 proceeded to the exit.