LSGH, Adamson rule SBP-Passerelle finals

MANILA, Philippines - The Manila-based teams dominated the 2015 Small Basketeers Philippines and Passerelle division championships with La Salle-Green Hills beating Ateneo de Iloilo, 55-44, for the SBP crown and Adamson U thumping Ateneo de Davao U, 75-64, for the Passerelle title at the Easter College Gym in Baguio City.

The Greenies stamped their class early, racing to a 16-6 lead in the first 10 minutes and pulling away at 36-13 at the half before coasting to victory. Mark Torrijos unloaded 12 points in the first quarter then Kenji Duremdes and Victorino Torres took over and combined for 18 second quarter points.

Duremdes wound up with 16 points while Torrijos added 14 markers and Santi Romero provided the defensive hustle for the Greenies.

Dexter Gencianeo shot eight points to back Espinosa as Phoenix Pineda and John Vicencio struggled in the face of the Greenies tough defense.

Adamson U actually trailed after two quarters but settled down in time to overhaul an 11-20 deficit. The San Marcelino-based squad trailed again at 34-38 but went on a 14-1 binge to turn the tide en route to victory.

Ateneo did fight back to within, 46-52, at the onset of the fourth but Adamson countered with an 8-2 run to defuse the rally.

Rence Padrigao led Adamson with 16 points while Gerry Abadianao and Andrey Doria chipped in 11 markers each. Lawrence Angeles paced Ateneo de Davao with 16 points while Lance Carr added 12 markers.

Host Berkeley School of Baguio, meanwhile, came from behind to repulse Ateneo de Davao, 57-51, and clinch third place honors in the SBP division while Sun Yat Sen High School of Iloilo trounced Holy Angel University of Pampanga, 82-51, to bag third place in the Passerelle side of the annual event backed by Milo.

Milo sports executive Robbie de Vera and BEST Center founder coach Nic Jorge presented the medals and trophies to the winners with Berkeley School taking the Sportsmanship award for SBP and Ateneo de Davao for Passerelle.