CEC, SHS-Ateneo 1 gain in Coke PBA Youngtars

MANILA, Philippines - Cebu Eastern College (CEC) and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu 1 turned back their respective rivals to post similar 2-0 marks in the Cebu leg of the 2012 Coca-Cola PBA Youngstars basketball tournament last Friday.

CEC overcame a poor start to clobber Sacred Hearth School-Ateneo 2, 56-33, while SHS-Ateneo 1 edged University of San Carlos North Campus, 46-44.

CEC led by only five after the first 10 minutes but pulled away in the final half with Cris Dominic Yap and Michael Balankig scoring 14 points each for the Dragons.

In the third game, University of Visayas bounced back from an opening day loss by beating University of Southern Philippines Foundation, 58-41.

SHS-Ateneo 1 blew a nine-point fourth quarter lead but hung tough to frustrate USC. Clint Suelto flubbed a game-tying 12-foot jumper, enabling SHS-Ateneo I to clinch the win.

Emman Malazarte led SHS-Ateneo with 12 points and Jair Igna had 10 while Adlawan had 15 for USC North.