BAGUIO CITY ,Philippines --Haharapin ng University of Sto. Tomas ang University of Visayas, habang lalabanan ng St. John Institute ang Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori ngayong araw sa crossover semifinals ng SBP National Under-16 Basketball Championship dito sa University of Baguio gym.
Sasagupain ng Baby Tigers ang Baby Lancers sa alas-2:30 ng hapon at tatapatan ng Bacolod-based St. John ang Cagayan de Oro-based squad na Sacred Heart sa alas-4.
Ang UST at Sacred Heart of Jesus ang nanguna sa Group B, samantalang ang UV at St. John ang nagdomina sa Group A.
“It’s a tough battle against UV. We have to stay focused and play tough defense because UV is a tough nut to crack,” sabi ni coach Allan Jake Ascue.
Umabante ang UST sa semis matapos igupo ang St. Bridget School of Batangas, 80-32, sa pagtatapos ng elimination round.
Sina Paulo Corre, Ryan Joseph Syyap, Alvin Baethiong, Thristan Edge Laman at John Roald Mayor ang babandera sa Baby Tigers.
Inamin naman ni UV coach Kenneth Pepito na malakas na koponan ang UST.
“UST is a basketball power and a title contender. We are not bothered by their good credential. We came here to win and we will go for it,” wika ni Pepito, sasandal kina Gerald Fernandez, Sheldon Marlon Andre Gahi, John Nigile King, Prince Liton Canete at Andres Paul Desiderio.