Xavier targets PSSBC title in ‘Battle of Champs’

MANILA, Philippines – Xavier School hopes to keep the trend in the Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship (PSSBC) Jumbo Linoleum Plastic Cup as last year’s runners-up shoot for the crown in the fourth “Battle of Champions” which begins Dec. 12 at the San Beda College gym.

“That’s possible because Xavier is very formidable and is at par with the best teams of UAAP and NCAA,” said former PSSBC chairman and Blackwater Sports owner Dioceldo Sy. “If we follow the trend, it’s Xavier’s time to reign in the tournament.”

“Their runner-up finish last year should warn teams from UAAP and NCAA,” added Sy, who along with Hapee Toothpaste owner Dr. Cecilio Pedro and Freego’s Eduard Tio gave Gilas Pilipinas P1 million as a reward for its gallant stand in the World Championship in Spain last year.

Meantime, the coaches meeting will be held Dec. 2 at 11 a.m. at San Beda gym.

The Golden Stallions intend to use their 89-59 beating at the hands of the San Beda College Red Cubs in last year’s championship as motivation in their bid to win the bragging rights as the country’s premier high school team.

“That will be the challenge for Xavier,” said PSSBC chairman Jimmy dela Cruz. “I believe they have the materials to duplicate the feats of San Sebastian and San Beda.”

The SSC Staglets were beaten by the Hope Christian High School cagers in the inaugural championship, but they came back strong the following year to beat the Red Lions in triple overtime to become the first champion school from NCAA.

Last year, the Red Cubs took the crown at the expense of the Golden Stallions.

Other sponsors of the annual event are MEC Networks, Rain or Shine, Dickies Underwear, Ironcon Builders, Blackwater Sports, Freego and Hapee Toothpaste.