CEBU, Philippines – Three-time defending champion University of San Carlos and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu scored comfortable wins on the opening day of the SBP division of the BEST SBP Passerelle Tournament Cebu Leg sponsored by Milo at the SHS-Ateneo de Cebu Mango Campus Gym over the weekend. USC cruised to a 79-18 win over Don Bosco Technology Center, while SHS-Ateneo defeated University of San Jose Recoletos, 57-14.
Seeking a fourth straight SBP Cebu title, USC settled things early, jumping to a 25-2 lead after the first quarter. The lead ballooned to 49-4 at halftime and it was cruise control all the way for the win. Nicael Cabañero led USC with 18 points, including 16 in the second period. Ernie Hernane led Don Bosco with six.
In the other game, SHS-Ateneo overcame a slow start before settling down to break the game open in the second quarter. After a 10-4 lead at the end of the first quarter, the Magis Eagles opened up a 25-7 halftime lead then stretched this to 50-8 after three quarters. Kent Jason Dumandan led SHS-Ateneo with 12 points. Hearty Jhun Hitutua led USJR with five.
The BEST SBP Passerelle Tournament sponsored by Milo is one of the provincial legs being held simultaneously nationwide. USC has won the SBP championship since 2012 and is seeking a four-peat this year. The Cebu champion earns a trip to the Visayas Regional Finals which will be held in Bacolod in November. (FREEMAN)