SHS-Ateneo, Ateneo de Manila start hot in Milo Best Finals

CEBU, Philippines - Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) scored big wins yesterday to kick off the national finals of the Milo-backed BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournaments at the University of San Carlos (USC) Main Gym.

SHS-AdC crushed Claret School of Zamboanga, 75-27, in a Passerelle division game, while three-time defending champion ADMU romped over SHS-AdC, 66-42, in the Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) division.

In the other Passerelle division game, an undermanned Xavier School overcame a tough International School for Better Beginnings (ISBB) of Lucena side, 79-69. Ateneo de Davao (ADDU), SBP runner-up in the national finals in 2009, flexed its muscles with an 80-35 win over Don Bosco Academy of Pampanga.

SHS-AdC, ADMU and ADDU all started out hot and never looked back in their one-sided games and poised themselves for respective berths in the championship games today.

Another win for all teams yesterday would mean at least a tie for a spot on the finals. All teams played twice yesterday with their second games being played later in the day. The last games of the elimination round will be played today with the top two teams of each division clashing for the championship. (FREEMAN)