SHS-Ateneo advances into final round of SeaOil-NBTC cagefest

CEBU, Philippines - The Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) Magis Eagles soared past the University of Southern Philippines Foundation (USPF) Baby Panthers, 79-61, to grab the first final spot in the SeaOil-National Basketball Training Center (NBTC) Elite League yesterday at the City Sports Club-Cebu gym.

The Magis Eagles, who completed a five-game elimination round sweep, will face next the winner of the other semifinal match between Group A leader University of the Visayas (UV) Baby Lancers (4-0) and the Cebu Eastern College (CEC) Dragons.

The UV-CEC duel has been reset to February 2 because Baby Lancers star Andres Paul Desiderio is still in Baguio City playing in the Samahang Basketball ng Pilipinas (SBP) National U-16 Championship.

Julius Cadavis led the Magis Eagles with 17 points followed by Maverick Suarez with 14 markers. Patrick Go and Rendell Senining chipped in nine points apiece.

The Baby Panthers rallied in the second period to pull within just a hairline, 33-34, but the Magis Eagles exploded with a 25-15 run after the halftime break to take full control of the game, 59-48. (FREEMAN)