CEC, USC triumph in SBP opener

CEBU, Philippines - It was a case of different winning ways for Cebu Eastern College (CEC) and the University of San Carlos (USC) on opening day of the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament sponsored by Milo at the USC-North Campus Gym.  

CEC went through overtime before hacking out a nail-biting 58-54 win over the University of the Visayas,while defending champion USC cruised to an effortless 61-30 demolition of Don Bosco Technology Center to kick off hostilities in the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) division.

Up 35-26 at the end of the third quarter, CEC looked headed for a win, but UV stunned CEC with a 9-0 run to tie the game at 35-all on JZ Dizon's two triples.

It was a see-saw battle from then on until CEC took a 44-40 lead with two minutes left. Brice Ngujo made two charities to cut the deficit to 44-42 before Dizon dropped a running baseline jumper to tie the game at 44-all and send the game into overtime with 7.4 seconds left.

CEC took early control in the extra period, jumping to a 52-45 lead with 2:46 left in the game, but UV clawed its way back again to knot the count at 54-all courtesy of Prince Soquino's basket with 15 seconds left to play. Karl Tiu then scored four straight points to settle the final tally. Ryan Tecson led CEC with 18 points including eight in overtime. Dizon paced UV with 17.

In the other game, USC sent a strong notice that they are the team to beat for the second straight year with a clinical rout of the Bosconians.

USC set the tone early, jumping into a 23-5 lead after one period and a 44-9 halftime lead. It was cruise control from then on. Vince Razo, who had 14 points in the first period, led USC's balanced attack with 16 points. Barola led DBTC with 13.

The opening ceremonies brought all six SBP and seven Passerelle division teams together to start the season. Fr. Jun Javines, SVD, Director of the USC Basic Education Department, was the special guest and served up the ceremonial toss for the opening game.

Games of the tournament also sponsored by RCBC Savings Bank will resume next week at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Avenue Campus gym with the Passerelle teams seeing action. (PR) (FREEMAN)