USC, UV, SHS-AdC advance to finals

CEBU, Philippines – It will be the University of San Carlos, University of the Visayas and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) fighting it out in the finals of the different age groups of the CYBL Alaska Basketball D-league 2014.

The age group basketball strongholds scored wins in the semifinals over the weekend, setting the stage for yet another series of showdowns for the championship of the different age groups.

In the Under 15 Division 1 semis, UV banked on Regnier Gonzaga’s outside shot with 15 seconds left for a 39-38 nerve-wracking win over USC.

USC had taken the upper hand, 38-35, through Shawn Barola’s baseline jumper with less than two minutes left in the game. But Wannard Saliot converted from point blank after intercepting a USC bad pass to cut the lead to 38-37.

After two missed free throws by USC, UV patiently worked its way through its halfcourt offense and found Gonzaga at the wings for the catch-and-shoot game winner.

In the other semifinals game, SHS-AdC overcame a slow start to spoil the upset-seeking Ormoc Fighters who went down fighting, 48-33. After trailing 2-18 in the first period, the Magis Eagles recovered to build a halftime lead of 23-22.

After a 34-29 lead at the end of the third period, SHS-AdC broke the game wide open, limiting Ormoc to only four fourth quarter points for the win. Joshua Balankig and John Aguilar combined for 23 points to lead the Magis Eagles.

In the Under 12 Division 1 semifinals, USC cruised to a 37-19 win over UV, while SHS-AdC nipped Don Bosco Technology Center, 39-37 in nail-biting fashion.

SHS- AdC took a 31-25 lead going in to the fourth quarter, but DBTC rallied to tie the game at 35-all. The game was tied again at 37-all. Espina then calmly sank two free throws for the win.

In the youngest Under 10 division, USC North halted Cebu Eastern College, 41-30, while UV defeated rookie team Monterey School of Talisay, 30-21 to set a showdown for the championship.

In Division 2 games, Don Bosco Liloan and Southwestern University overcame their semis opponents to set a date of the Under 15 Division 2 title. DB Liloan stopped USJ-R-B, 47-40, while SWU won over San Isidro Parish School, 63-53.

In Under 12 Division 2 quarterfinals, Colegio de Inmaculada Concepcion-Mandaue halted USC South, 45-38, while Ormoc ousted Monterey School, 57-33. In Under 17 Division 2 games, SCSIT defeated One on One, 57-54.

AE Sports of Toledo trounced Minglanilla, 75-46. UV-Mandaue defeated Minglanilla, 65-45. In the Girls Under 17 division, Minglanilla stopped Don Bosco Lilo-an, 45-15.

The Alaska Basketball D-League is held in partnership with the Cebu Youth Basketball League. A total of 74 teams joined the tournament including a new division for girls; Under 17 Girls. (FREEMAN)