USC Passerelle starts strong

CEBU, Philippines - City of San Fernando, Pampanga — The University of San Carlos (USC) Passerelle team made a big statement with an opening day win over Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU), 74-55, at the national finals of the BEST Center SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament 2013 backed by Milo. This matched the dominating 90-75 win of title favorite Chiang Kai Shek College (CKSC) over Angeles University Foundation (AUF) of  Pampanga.

USC took a slim 17-15 lead after one period, starting tentatively. The second quarter set of five then padded the lead to 37-25 at half time, followed by a big third quarter run that gave USC a commanding 58-38 lead that was never threatened for the rest of the game.

Kent Malazarte carried the team on his shoulders, delivering 17 of his game-high 19 points in the pivotal third period. Jean Jacque Antigua backed Malazarte with 14. Paolo Coquilla led ADDU with 12 while Joachim Weill had 10. USC next faces AUF, while CKSC goes up against ADDU in the Passerelle division.

In the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) division, defending champion La Salle Greenhills cruised to a 65-48 win over University of  St. La Salle of Bacolod, while Berkeley School of Baguio overcame a tough ADDU side, 53-49.

 LSGH tests the mettle of  ADDU next as USLS goes for its first win against Berkeley School. The national finals of the BEST Center SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament 2013 which is also held in cooperation with RCBC Savings Bank, brings in together the different regional champions from the National Capital Region, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

(FREEMAN)