USC, UV, SHS-Ateneo win in SBP Debut

CEBU, Philippines - Back-to-back defending SBP champion University of San Carlos kicked off its 2014 campaign on a high note as it crushed Don Bosco Technology Center, 85-14, as SBP teams debuted at the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament sponsored by Milo at USC North Gym.

 USC blanked DBTC in the second quarter to take a commanding lead at halftime, 50-8. The USC defense limited DBTC to only six second half points for the final tally. Vince Razo, Reinhard Jumamoy and Brandon Largo scored in double figures for USC with 12, 11 and 10 points respectively.

In other games of the SBP division, 2013 runner-up University of the Visayas toppled Cebu Eastern College, 29-14, while SHS-AdC cruised past University of San Jose Recoletos, 47-23, at the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Campus Gym.

In Passerelle division games, the top contenders went 2-0 to set the stage for crucial positioning games for the semifinals up ahead. USC stormed past USPF, 82-35 in a Group A game at the USC North Gym, while CEC, UV and SHS-AdC scored their second straight wins at the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Campus Gym.

CEC manhandled USJR in the other Group A game, 91-22. In Group B games, UV trounced DBTC, 64-24, while SHS-AdC defeated SWU, 67-21. At next week’s important games that will determine the top two teams that will make it to the crossover semifinals, USC faces CEC for the top spot in Group A, while UV battle SHS-AdC.

The games of the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament are backed by Milo. Now on its, 31st year, the tournament is the pioneer in age group grassroots basketball with a nationwide scope. USC placed second to Chiang Kai Shek College in the Passerelle division of the national finals last year. (FREEMAN)