USC, UV squeeze through in opener

ROXAS City, Philippines – The University of San Carlos and University of the Visayas went through some tense moments before squeezing out close wins on opening day of the Visayas Regional Finals of the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament 2014 sponsored by Milo.

In the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) division, USC controlled most of the game, lost the lead, and recovered just in time to nip Ateneo de Iloilo, 31-30. After leading 15-6 after one period, 19-10 at halftime and 25-20 after three quarters, the Baby Warriors seemed to be headed to a comfortable win. But Ateneo de Iloilo staged a 9-2 run to take a 29-27 lead with 1:06 left in the game.

Justin Atilano tied the game at 29-all for USC with 46 seconds left. After two missed free throws by Ateneo, Vince Razo scored inside the paint for a 31-29 lead with 20 seconds left. Saymun Mateo had to chance to tie the game for Ateneo de Iloilo from the free throw line with 14 seconds left, but could only make one for the final tally. Brandon Largo, Sid Reroma, Razo and Atilano combined for 23 points to lead USC.

It was the same story in the Passerelle division where UV had to fend off USLS for a nail-biting 36-32 win. UV controlled the first half, leading 12-6 after one period and 18-13 at halftime.

USLS bounced back to tie the game at 27-all at the end of the third period, courtesy of four triples from four different players. USLS maintained the momentum and took a 32-29 lead with three minutes left in the game. UV then shut down the USLS offense from then on with John Igot scoring four straight points to give UV back the lad at 33-32 with 29 second left in the game.

Royce Alforque scored a free throw for a 34-32 lead with 7.7 seconds left before Denzel Sabroso scored from a steal for the final score as time expired. John Kirk Gonzaga, Kint Ariar, Sabroso and Igot were good for 19 points in the low scoring ballgame.

In the other SBP division game, Colegio de la Purisima Concepcion of Roxas upset St. John’s Institute of Bacolod, 39-38, for its ever win in a regional finals of the tournament. In the other Passerelle division game, Hua Siong College of Iloilo defeated CPC, 62-39. The opening ceremony of the regional finals has Governor Victor Tanco as special guest along with Robbie De Vera of Milo. (FREEMAN)