Xavier celebrates BBI cagefest twin title wins

MANILA, Philippines – Xavier School’s 12-Under and 17-Under squads celebrated a double championship last Saturday with twin victories in the Smart Breakdown Basketball Invitationals Nationwide Battle of Champions. It was especially sweet as both squads accomplished the feat on their home court of the Jacinto Tiu Gym.

In the finals of the 12-Under Division, Brent Tiu led the Golden Stallions with 15 points and 10 rebounds in an 80-43 rout of San Miguel Elementary School of Bulacan. The Golden Stallions led throughout the match and were never threatened as the SME Angels were thoroughly outgunned and outplayed.

“Nakita namin na malayo yung skill and talent level namin,” pointed out Bulacan coach Christian Canlapan. “This is something we have to learn from and if we have the opportunity to come back next year, play better.”

In the juniors division of 17-Under, both Xavier and Centerphil Montessori of Iloilo Silver Knights battled tooth and nail in the first 13 minutes after which the Golden Stallions broke a 22-all deadlock to take the half, 40-31.

Come the third period, Xavier stepped on the gas pedal behind Miguel Tan and Martin Sadhwani to hike the lead to 61-45 after 30 minutes. The Silver Knights tried to make one last go at the championship but Tan and Sadhwani once more combined to finish off the Illongos, 79-60.

“My goal was to win this game, this championship for the graduating seniors (Sadhwani, Steven Tiu, and Nathan Chan),” said Tan who finished with a game high 27 points and 12 rebounds. “We lost a couple of championships this year so this is a good way to end the season — with a title.”

Sadhwani earlier in the day towed Xavier to the championship round by scoring 35 points in their 75-74 semifinals win over Montessori De San Ildefonso Bulacan, including the game-winning triple with 1:07 left. In the championship match, Sadhwani tallied 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in his final match for the Golden Stallions.

“It’s a good way to go out,” summed up Sadhwani.

Named to the U-17 Mythical Five were Xavier’s Miguel Tan, Emilio Aguinaldo College of Cavite’s JR Ilustrisimo, Centerphil Montessori’s Ian Carl Gasacao and MDSI Bulacan’s Dan Angelo Pariñas and Joderick Inductivo. Gasacao was named the Best in Defense while Xavier guard Lance Alandy Dy was awarded a trophy for Best in Assists.

Miguel Tan was named Most Valuable Player.

For the Under-12 Division, the Mythical Five awardees were Paulo Torno of St. Thomas More of Cavite, Ceejay Pacapat of Bukidnon Faith Christian Academy, Clark Pengson of Bulacan San Miguel Elementary School, and Xavier’s Brent Tiu and Paulo Rodriguez. Rodriguez was adjudged the Best in Assists while Torno bagged the Best Defender Award. Brent Tiu took home the MVP trophy.