BATCH 2002 and Batch 1996 were crowned inaugural champions in the Abellana National School Alumni Basketball League (ANSABL) Season 1 at the Cebu City Sports Institute on Sunday, July 7, 2019.
Batch 2002 defeated Batch 2006, 94-87, in Game 3 of the best-of-three series to clinch the Year 2000 category in a tournament powered by the Specseal, Rio Powered Juice Drink, Biotroff Herbal Capsules and Uniform Solutions.
Nestor Iso lifted Batch 2002 with a double-double of 32 points, 17 rebounds to go along with two assists and a pair of blocks.
Raymar Yap was equally impressive for Batch 2002 as he filled the stat sheets with a near triple double of 17 points, eight rebounds, seven assists and two steals, while Ruben Rentucan handed eight points and five rebounds.
Neil Jacaban paced Batch 2006 with 16 points, Kirwen Damos added 15 and Jovic Arranchado handed 11.
In the 1990s category, Batch ‘96 sneaked past Batch ‘95, 87-82, in the decisive Game 3.
Ervin Perez was unstoppable with 25 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, three steals and one block to carry ’96 to a five-point win in a winner-take-all game.
Marlon Mariano also had an all-around game with 18 points, 16 rebounds, six assists, and five steals, while Gabriel Lataza contributed 16 points, three assists and four steals.
Alfonzo Ole II had 16 points, eight rebounds, four assists and four steals, Mannie Abella had 14 points, six rebounds and Ronnie Caballes handed 12 points and 11 rebounds in a losing effort for Batch ’95.
ANSABL commissioner Ariel Arcilla Estarte said the organizing team looks to improve the league for the next season.
“The result was good, though, it was not that great as we expected. But we’re still a very young league and there’s a lot of room for improvement,” he said.
Estarte called out for support from the alumni of Abellana National School for the next season.
“The support from the other alumni was not that great on the first season, but that was understandable since the league is still starting out. We still don’t have many resources to run it,” he said. “However, we are very thankful that we were able to deliver in the first season in the best way we can.” (RSC)