Xchange Forex 2018, Puresteel 2011 win SHAABAA division finals opener

CEBU, Philippines — Xchange Forex Batch 2018 and Puresteel Manufaturing Corp. Batch 2011 gained a 1-0 head start in the best-of-three division finals of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Season 27 at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles Arena in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Lyder Kent Canieso topscored with 14 points, Benedict Andre Chua glittered with a double-double, while Jed Colonia hit the game-winner as Batch 2018 overhauled a 12-point deficit early in the second quarter to stun the defending champion Nest Workspaces Batch 2013 via a close 61-59 decision in Division C.

Chua netted 10 points and 14 rebounds, Errol Pastor also had 10 points on top of three boards, while Colonia finished with nine points laced with 14 rebounds, five assists and two steals as Batch 2018 stepped a win away from grabbing the Division C crown.

Fletcher Galvez delivered a monster double-double show of 29 points and 14 rebounds for Batch 2013, but got support only from Rendell Senining with 17 points, eight rebounds, three assists, and three steals in a losing effort.

On the other hand, Bernard Chioson and Kiefer Lim combined for 28 points, 17 rebounds,  12 assists, and five steals as Batch 2011 dominated  ZLREJ Trading and Construction Batch 2010, 59-52, to move on the brink of Division B title.

Batch 2011 squandered a huge 50-34 after three quarters but regrouped in time to walk away with a seven-point victory.

Bradley Bacaltos also made his presence felt for Batch 2011 with 12 points, eight boards, five assists, two steals, and two blocks.

Gabe Branzuela fired 23 points laced with 13 rebounds, three assists, and seven steals but his all-around effort went down the drain for Batch 2010.