Cubs, Staglets pace PSSBC junior tiff

MANILA, Philippines - San Beda and San Sebastian swept their first two matches as the NCAA teams stamped their class in the early going of the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship.

With former Philippine U-18 standout Arvie Tolentino, Alejandro Inigo and Finals MVP Jayvee Mocon at the firing end, the Red Cubs outlasted last year’s UAAP champion National U Bullpups, 71-66, last week to underscore their title bid in the inaugural staging of the event.

“Their players are now ready to play in college especially Tolentino,” Dioceldo Sy, member of the PSSBC board of directors, said. “He’s playing beyond his age so I will not be surprised if he’s now one of the most-sought after players around.”

The 6-foot-4 Tolentino averaged 17.5 points in their first two games while Inigo had 16 and Mocon 15 markers as the Red Cubs paced Group B. They also beat Hope Christian High School, 95-91, in the opener last Oct. 27. 

The SSC Staglets also led Group A following their 66-58 win over UAAP champion Far Eastern U Sunday where they shackled the prolific Jerie Pingoy with their solid defense. SSC also toppled multi-titled Xavier School of Metro Manila Tiong Lian Basketball Association (MMTLBA), 108-98.

The Staglets leaned on mainstays Alfren Gayosa, Michael Calisaan, Jon Macasaet and Onyok Velasco Jr. to stay unbeaten in the tournament sponsored by Wrangler, Welcoat House Paints, Ironcon Builders, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum, Dickies Underwear, MEC Networks, Blackwater Sports and Hapee Toothpaste.

University of Santo Tomas stunned NU, 72-63, in the opener and Letran, 69-68, Sunday.