RDAK Transporters draw first blood

CEBU, Philippines – The RDAK Transporters motored past Dynamic Power, 50-64, in the opener of their best-of-three finals to move a win away from clinching the Division B title of the 20th Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) Cup last Sunday at the Magis Eagles Gym of the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Rhett Tomakin had 11 points for the Transporters, who rode on a sizzling second-quarter offensive and a solid endgame finish to outclass Dynamic Power.

After a slow start, the Transporters of team owner Regan King found their range in the second period where they staged a 14-7 rally to take the lead at halftime, 23-17, for good.

Chad Go paced Dynamic Power with 14 points.

In the battle for third place, Sergs Gobui sparkled with 18 points, while Merrick Goho, Afshin Ghassemi and Albert Chua conspired for 34 points as AutoLab slammed Caltex Delo, 69-54.

Trailing by three points at the break, 31-34, AutoLab retaliated with an 18-5 blast in the third canto to change the complexion of the match in their favor.

Dennis Que led Caltex Delo with 14 points followed by Glenn Sevilla and Andrew Choachuy with 12 and 11 markers, respectively.

In Division A semifinals, five players cashed in double figures led by Leigh Dixon with 18 points as defending champion Petron Goldberry  whipped the Cebu Landmasters, 80-70, while Eduard and Elddie Cabahug fired 18 points apiece as Bayfront Hotel Cebu stunned the RDAK Stallions, 67-65.

Dave Ting and Justin Huang had 31 points combined, while Job Shan and Ed Macasling each scored 14 underscoring Petron Goldberry's balanced offensive.

The Cabahugs, on the other hand, drew support from Antonio Datan with 12 points for Bayfront Hotel, which rattled the RDAK Stallions with their explosive start that led to a huge 38-21 lead at the bend. The Stallions countered with a 29-15 spurt in the third, but Bayfront fought steadier down the stretch to eke out a two-point squeaker. — EBV (FREEMAN)