Ateneo, La Salle retain SBP, Passerelle titles

MANILA, Philippines - It was a winning day for NCR teams as Ateneo de Manila University and La Salle Green Hills overwhelmed their respective opponents to capture the SBP and Passerelle titles, respectively during the MILO BEST SBP-Passerelle finals at the Easter College Gym in Baguio City.

Ateneo de Manila celebrated a three-peat victory by easily dispatching Ateneo de Davao, 71-49. Michael Nieto led the team in scoring, plunking in 14 points.

“Our team chemistry, the discipline and of course, the skills of the boys helped us secure the victory,” said Ateneo coach PJ Navarro.

In the Passerelle division, La Salle Green Hills proved too much for Xavier University Cagayan de Oro, as it won its second consecutive Passerelle title, 90-79.

Thomas Christopher Torres was the team’s top scorer, firing 24 markers. Sacred Heart School Jesuit-Cebu placed third by clobbering St. John Cathedral of Dagupan, 103-87. St. John Cathedral of Dagupan won the Sportsmanship Award.

La Salle Green Hills managed to pull off a back-to-back title romp despite missing the services of Rodel Joven, one of the team’s key players who suffered from a broken nose when he collided with teammate Aaron Sta. Maria during their game against Sacred Heart School Jesuit-Cebu yesterday.

“The boys displayed the heart of champions and they simply refused to lose. Despite serious injuries and challenges posed by the other teams, they still managed to defend the title,” says La Salle Green Hills coach Marvin Bienvenida.