Kinsman turns back Buildrite to cop AEBC hoops crown

Sports

KINSMAN Engineering Services wrested the Architects and Engineers Basketball Club (AEBC) Corporate Cup crown after dispatching Buildrite Construction Chemicals, 85-68, in their championship match over the weekend at the University of San Carlos Downtown Campus Gym.

Kinsman leaned on Ivan Mark Deo and Dave Abella to outgun a Buildrite squad, which made a lot of noise after eliminating top-seeded Johnro Electrical in the semifinal round.

Deo finished with 23 points, four assists, three steals, and two rebounds while Abella collected 21 markers, two boards, an assist, a steal, and a block as the No. 2 seed Kinsman made sure there will be no another giant-slaying feat by Buildrite.

Jonathan Sotes added 14 points for Kinsman.

Ranked No. 5 in the playoffs and marked its first championship appearance for the first time in six years, Buildrite was led by John Buhawe, who unloaded 21 points, five rebounds, and a steal. Adrian Damole added 19 points while Dexsel Caadan wound up with 17 points and 11 rebounds.

It was a double celebration for Deo and Abella as they snatched the Finals MVP and Conference MVP awards, respectively.

Abella and Buhawe led the Mythical Five and were joined by Tristan Cabrera of Litepanel, Miguel Juancho Cenabre of Buildrite, and Romy Faunillan of Mortabond.

Also feted were the conference’s statistical leaders. Awardees were Christopher James Ibon of Island Paints (most assists), Kurt Igloria of Provincial Engineering (most steals), Abella (most rebounds and most points), and John Ryan Jumao-as of Island Paints (most blocks).(CCM)