USC, UV, SHS-Ateneo score sweep in Milo BEST SBP Passerelle hoopla

CEBU, Philippines - The University of San Carlos (USC) capped its amazing run in the Milo-sponsored BEST Center SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament by outscoring Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC), 59-27, to sweep the SBP division and grab the top seed spot in the semifinals.

SHS-AdC’s elder counterparts and the University of the Visayas (UV) also pulled off similar sweeps of their respective groups in the Passerelle division. SHS-AdC withstood a fourth quarter rally to thwart Cebu Eastern College (CEC), 57-51, in a Group A game, while UV cruised to a 57-44 win over Don Bosco Technology Center (DBTC) in a Group B game.

 USC’s fifth straight win was sealed early when they limited SHS-AdC to only five points while streaking to a 21-5 lead after the first quarter behind the combined 14 points of Carl Jericho Jovellanos and Neon Chavez. Jholo Pakanna then took over in the second quarter as he erupted for 11 points to lead USC to a 34-12 halftime lead. It was cruise control all the way from then on until the final buzzer. Pakanna led USC with 19 points.

In the Passerelle division, SHS-AdC started out hot, but nearly paid for relaxing in the fourth quarter before carving out their fourth straight win. The Magis Eagles enjoyed a commanding 36-21 halftime lead which was slashed to 47-34 after the third quarter.

CEC then leaned on a full court press that caused turnovers and produced 10-0 run to cut the lead down to three, 47-44. Lucky Ecarma and Zachy Huang replied with a three-point play and a bank shot for a 52-44 lead but Mark Berdera countered with a triple and a free throw to cut the lead to four, 52-48.

Popoy Navarro then converted on a lay-up and a short jumper for a 56-48 lead, the latter coming with 50 seconds left in the game. CEC’s last reply came from Cris Dominic’s split charities and a field goal as Janjan Jaboneta sealed the win with a free throw. Jair Igna led the Magis Eagles with 10 points.

On the other hand, UV had the luxury of coasting to its third straight win, enjoying 17-2 lead after one quarter and a 30-8 halftime lead. The lead swelled to 46-19 at the end of the third quarter before the 2011 runner-up took its foot of the gas pedal. John King led UV with 11 points. In the other Group B Passerelle game, USC stopped CIT-U’s tracks, 67-42, to grab the second semifinal berth behind UV.

In the other games, CEC grabbed the last bus to the semifinals of the SBP division with a 49-26 win over USJR. UV stopped Don Bosco, 39-15, in the other SBP game to end up second in the elimination round with a 41 slate behind USC. USC faces CEC in the sudden death semifinals while UV plays SHS-AdC.

In games of the CYBL D-League, USC South-B scored its fourth straight win as it defeated erstwhile undefeated USC North-C, 45-17, in a Passerelle game. SHS-AdC 2 ousted USJR-B, 47-26, in the other D-League Passerelle game. In the SBP D-League, USC North-C spoiled SHS-AdC-B’s chances of barging into the semifinals with a 35-31 in overtime.

The sudden death semifinal games of the BEST Center SBP division and the CYBL D-League SBP and Passerelle divisions will be played this weekend with all winners proceeding to the finals. (FREEMAN)