Batch 2013 begins title defense as SHAABAA Season 27 unfurls today | The Freeman

CEBU, Philippines — Nest Workspaces Batch 2013 will start its title retention bid right away as the 27th season of the Sacred Heart Ateneo Alumni Basketball Athletic Association (SHAABAA) gets under way today with nine games on tap at the Magis Eagles Arena of Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) in Barangay Canduman, Mandaue City.

Before the hardcourt battle, a simple opening ceremony will take place starting off with the parade of teams at 10 a.m.

SHAABAA Chairman Afshin Ghassemi, President Lloyd Jeffrey Atillo, and Commissioner Atty. Boyet Velez are expected to grace the affair.

Games will then commence featuring Batch 2009 against Batch 2011 and 2KCares.Org opposite Yangtze Ice in the season-opening matches at 1  p.m.

It will be followed by another double-header at 2:30 p.m. pitting Batch 2004 vs Batch 2005 and the Core Pacific Group vs GMall of Cebu.

At 4 p.m., Batch 2013 will begin its quest for back-to-back crowns in Division C as it goes up against Batch 2014, while Batch 2006 will take on Batch 2010 in the opposite court.

Of the three champions last season, only Batch 2013 is back to defend its throne as Division A titlist ARQ Builders Batch 2001 and Division B crown-holder Cebu Landmasters Batch 2003 decided to forgo their participation this year.

On the other hand Batch 2023 will make its debut in Cebu’s oldest alumni-based cage league against Batch 2018 at 5:30 p.m., while Batch 2021 will lock horns with Batch 2020.

In the lone 7 p.m. duel, Batch 2024, the youngest competing graduates, will have their baptism of fire in SHAABAA against Batch 2022. — (FREEMAN)