Ateneo, Xavier to defend SBP, Passerelle NCR titles

MANILA, Philippines - Defending National Capital Region champions Ateneo-A and Xavier School took different routes in their title retention bids in the Milo-sponsored Small Basketeers Philippines (SBP) and Passerelle twin tournaments over the weekend at the Xavier School gym.

The Blue Eaglets led for most of the way in routing Marist School, 62-57, for its return trip to the NCR finals of the SBP in this tournament organized by the Basketball Efficiency and Scientific Training Center (Best Center), the pioneering basketball school in Asia founded by former national coach Nic Jorge.

Incidentally, the Best Center is currently celebrating its 33rd anniversary this month, heading to the regional and national finals of the SBP-Passerelle twin tournaments. The BEST Center has been awarded the Olympism Award by the Philippine Olympic Committee (POC) and is included in the Philippine Sportswriters Association’s (PSA) Hall of Fame.

The Blue Eaglets relied on a balanced production from its bench, with Juan Gerardo Gomez de Llano and King Eduard Vergeire leading all scorers with a combined 21 points to answer the Marist baskets from Jason Credo, who had 14 points, and Gian Carlo Benzonan, who had 11.

Ateneo thus meets Lourdes School-Mandaluyong, which trampled on San Beda College Rizal, 74-49, in next weekend’s final.

Meanwhile, host Xavier School had to claw back from a 27-29 halftime deficit and survive a late rally by La Salle Greenhills for 59-57 escape of a win.

Xavier, however, was thankful it had Jarell Raddley Lim at the firing end, ensuring his team’s return to the NCR Passerelle final by scoring 19 points, the best for the day.

Mark Anthony Framil tried his best to tow the Greenies but could only muster 11 points to lead his team.

Xavier will meet San Beda College-A, which smothered Claret-Quezon City, 69-46, for the crown.