Bacolod, Cebu set Seaoil Elite title duel

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines – St. John of Bacolod and Cebu disposed of their respective opponents in convincing fashions to arrange a showdown between regional rivals for the Seaoil Elite League national crown at the West Negros U gym.

The Purefoods TJ Hotdogs-backed St. John, which made it here as a wildcard after Palawan backed out at the last minute, overpowered Magnolia Frozen Delights-Iloilo, 88-57, while Cebu, represented by Sacred Heart School, had an easier time in beating San Mig Coffee-Cavite, 82-42, in the other semifinal duel.

Jan Toral shot 15 points while Kib Montalbo added 12 points for St. John, which rode on an 18-0 blitz late in the first quarter to set the tone for the rout.

The Cebuanos were led by Patrick Nigel Go, Rendell Thomas Senining and Dawn Hynric Ochea, who fired 11, 10 and 10 points, respectively.

Iloilo, represented by Sun Yat Sen School, drew nine points from Paul Razel Rubin and King Palmes while John Paul Sarao scored 11 points for Cavite.

Meanwhile, National Basketball Training Center tournament director Alex Compton said thousands of children have benefitted from the nationwide cage program put up by Seaoil and backed by San Miguel Corp. and sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas.

“We’ve touched like some 6,000 kids and some coaches from all over the country and brought the best and brightest here in Bacolod to play,” said Compton.

“Hopefully, we could teach some more in the years to come because we know in our hearts that there are a lot of talents out there waiting to be tapped,” added the current Powerade assistant coach in the PBA.