USC Passerelle goes for Natl title

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC) waited for a long time to get back to the national level scene, and they’re making the most of it. Leaving for San Fernando, Pampanga is the USC Passerelle team that competes against the best Passerelle teams from around the country in the national finals of the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament 2013 backed by Milo. Games will be played on Saturday and Sunday at the University of Assumption Gym.

Fresh from winning the Visayas Regional title last month, USC buckles down to work to face off against title favorites Chiang Kai Shek of Metro Manila, Ateneo de Davao (Mindanao champion), and Angeles University Foundation (Luzon champion). Chiang Kai Shek is heavily favored to win the title after its dominant run in the Metro Manila finals where it roasted the.

USC, though goes into the finals unfazed and is determined to score surprises. USC hasn’t been in the national finals in a very long time after dominating the Cebu scene between the 2000-2005. The team will bank on the leadership of last year players John Galinato, Jean Jacque Antigua, Marc Ting, Kent Malazarte and Scott Aying.

Coach Britt Reroma though also counts on his underclassmen to provide the needed support. Among the biggest challenges for the team will be to overcome the hype and pressure from being the first USC team to make it back to the national finals in a long time. Analysts say that as soon as the team can overcome these jitters and play their natural game, making it to the championship should be a realistic target.

This will mark the fourth straight year that a Cebu team will vie for a national Passerelle title. Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu won the national titles of 2010 and 2011, while the University of the Visayas was runner-up last year.

Also up for grabs is the national title of the SBP division with the University of St. La Salle of Bacolod representing the Visayas.

Defending SBP national champion La Salle Greenhills is favored to score a second straight title, while Ateneo de Davao is back for yet another run representing Mindanao. Berkeley School of Baguio makes its debut in the nationals representing Luzon. (FREEMAN)