SHS-Ateneo is runnerup in JAM 2010 basketball, football

CEBU, Philippines - Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu’s undefeated run came to a halt as they bowed to Xavier School of San Juan, 59-67, in the championship game for basketball at the Jesuit Athletic Meet 2010 held at the Ateneo de Manila campus.

It was close for the entire first half with neither side enjoying more than a four point lead. Xavier led by two, 17-15, at the end of the first quarter while SHS-AdC took a slim one point lead at halftime, 35-34.

The Magis Eagles seemed to be in the driver’s seat when they enjoyed their biggest lead at 39-34 early in the third period. But Xavier replied with 12 unanswered points for a 46-39 edge, a gap that SHS-AdC couldn’t cut for the rest of the game.

The closest they would get would be at 42-46 late in the third period, but Xavier would have a reply for every rally launched by the Cebuanos. Xavier maintained leads of seven and nine points through most of the fourth quarter to win the championship.

As expected, 16-year old Jeron Teng, son of ex-pro Alvin Teng, showed why he’s considered to be one of the country’s most talented players, as he overcame all defenses thrown at him and led Xavier with 27 points. He played without relief and also served as decoy for Kyles Lao who stepped up and contributed 23 points for a one-two punch for Xavier.

Henry Asilum led SHS-AdC with 11 points, the only Magis Eagle to break into double digit scoring. Rebreb Diputado and Aaron Sing had nine points each.

In football, SHS-AdC ended its campaign on a high note by beating Xavier School of San Juan, 3-2, to take runner-up honors to Ateneo de Manila. In a game that was both physical and sloppy due to the wet conditions, Will Villaver scored first in a goal mouth scramble. Kyle Arrieta followed this up with a left-footed roller for a 2-0 lead. Xavier recovered and scored on a penalty kick to make it 2-1 at halftime.

Arrieta headed in a goal off a rebound to give SHS-AdC a 3-1 lead in the second half. Ending its campaign with a 2-1-1 record or 7 points, the Magis Eagles waited for the result of the game between champion Ateneo de Manila (ADMU) and Ateneo de Davao (ADDU) to determine the final over-all standings.

ADMU’s 5-1 win coupled with SHS-AdC’s 3-2 win over Xavier landed the Cebuanos a first runner-up finish by goal difference as they were tied with ADDU with 7 points each.

Overall, SHS-AdC also recorded a first runner-up finish in the table tennis event backstopped by its gold in the girls singles and silver in mixed doubles. (FREEMAN)