Batch 2018 outduels Batch 2015, wins back-to-back SHAABAA Division C titles

CEBU CITY, Philippines — Batch 2018-CORE+ successfully defended its Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Division C crown after outdueling Batch 2015-BRX, 92-77, in their do-or-die Game 3 on Sunday, August 9, at the Magis Eagles Arena in Mandaue City.

With the championship on the line, Batch 2018 came out with the stronger sense of urgency and never relinquished control, securing its second consecutive Division C title as SHAABAA Season 29 drew to a close.

Former National University Bulldog Patrick Wilson Yu spearheaded the championship effort and was named Finals Most Valuable Player after coming off the bench to deliver 21 points, eight rebounds, six assists, two blocks and a steal.

Franz Ray Diaz led all scorers with 22 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and a steal, while Benedict Andre Chua provided a strong inside presence with a 17-point, 13-rebound double-double, along with an assist, a block and a steal.

Batch 2015 got 20 points from Chaz Cokaliong, who knocked down six 3-pointers, while Lorenzo Otero added 19 points, eight rebounds and six assists.

Janjan Jaboneta, the team’s scoring and defensive anchor throughout the season, also turned in a monster double-double with 18 points and 17 rebounds.

Nino Araw-Araw contributed 11 points and nine rebounds for Batch 2015.

Batch 2018 established control early, taking a 48-36 lead into halftime.

The defending champions continued to dictate the pace after the break, maintaining a 68-60 advantage heading into the fourth quarter.

Batch 2015 tried to mount a comeback, but Batch 2018 responded every time its rivals threatened to make a run.

The defending champions pushed their lead to double digits at 81-71 in the final period before stretching the margin to 15 points in the closing minutes to seal the championship.

Batch 2018’s dominance was also evident in the statistics.

The champions overwhelmed Batch 2015 in points in the paint, 52-22, while their bench produced a massive 42 points compared with just five from the opposition’s reserves. Yu was a major factor in that department after providing an immediate scoring boost off the bench.

Batch 2015 held a slight advantage in fast-break points, 14-12, but it was not enough to prevent Batch 2018 from completing its back-to-back championship run.

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