USC upsets La Salle

Roxas City, Philippines — The University of Can Carlos (USC) stunned La Salle Greenhills (LSGH), 56-48, to kick off its campaign in the SBP division of the national finals of the BEST Center SBP Passerelle Twin Basketball Tournament at the Capiz Gym. Meanwhile, the University of the Visayas bowed to LSGH in the Passerelle division opener, 66-83.

The Visayas SBP champions leaned on a big third quarter to get things going. Down 23-30 at the half, USC went to the duo of Jholo Pakanna and Neon Chavez to seize the lead and momentum of the game for good. They went on a 10-0 run to take a 33-30 lead before LSGH recovered with four points to take a 34-33 lead going into the fourth period.

After LSGH regained the lead at 38-37, USC scored eight unanswered points for a 45-38 lead with 3:51 left in the game. The lead ballooned to ten at 50-40 with 2:09 left, with Vince Galan, Neon Chavez, Carlo Jericho Jovellanos and Daniel Rodriguez teaming up in the run. LSGH sliced the lead to 50-46 with a minute left but USC replied with a 6-2 blast to seal the win.

In the Passerelle game, UV matched LSGH for three periods, but suddenly went blank in the fourth period. The game was tied at halftime, 30-all, and LSGH sported a slim 50-49 lead entering the fourth period.

But LSGH used a full-court press and limited the UV offense to take a 60-51 lead to start the final canto. LSGH upped the lead further, limiting UV to free throws for offense. The highest lead was at 81-63.

In the other Passerelle game, Holy Child School of Davao defeated Holy Angel University of Pampanga, 63-58. Ateneo de Davao University stopped Don Bosco Academy, 63-44 in the other SBP game.

The national finals of the BEST Center SBP Passerelle Twin Basketball Tournament is the year-ending games of this nationwide tournament sponsored by Milo. Gov. Victor Tanco was the special guest at the opening ceremonies. Also present was BEST Center founder and President Nic Jorge and the network of organizers nationwide. (FREEMAN)