SBP Under-16 semis under way

BAGUIO ,Philippines  – UST squares off with University of Visayas while St. John Institute tangles with Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori today in the crossover semifinals of the SBP National Under-16 Basketball Championship at the University of Baguio gym.

The Baby Tigers face the Baby Lancers at 2:30 p.m. and Bacolod-based St. John tests the Cagayan de Oro-based squad at 4 p.m.

Organizers, led by SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza, expect a spirited battle for the final berths.

UST and Sacred Heart of Jesus ruled Group B, while UV and St. John nailed the first two slots in 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,” said UST coach Allan Jake Ascue.

UST advanced to the semis by routing St. Bridget’s School of Batangas, 80-32, at the close of the elims Thursday.

Ascue will rely on his top gunners led by Paulo Corre, Ryan Joseph Syyap, Alvin Baethiong, Thristan Edge Laman and John Roald Mayor against UV.

UV coach Kenneth Pepito admitted UST is strong but they remained unfazed by the rivals in their do-or-die encounter.

“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,” said Pepito.

UV will be spearheaded by Gerald Fernandez, Sheldon Marlon Andre Gahi, John Nigile King, Prince Liton Canete and Andres Paul Desiderio.

St. Clare, a team from Caloocan, won the women title in the national grassroots tournament presented by Summit Mineral Water and supported by Energen Nutrition Milk and Cereal, Philex Mining, Molten and the MVP Sports Foundation.