USC teams start title bids in Adidas Streetball Challenge national finals

The University of San Carlos (USC), the representatives of Visayas to the finals of the Adidas Streetball Challenge, will start its campaign today in the last 3-on-3 championship game at the SM Mall of Asia.

Composing the men's squad are Giovannie Padillo, Adrian Alforque, Jan David Palos and Earvin Ferraren.

The distaff side, on the other hand, will have USC-Team Venture's Carol Diane Cumahig, Junnelle Stephanie Narsico, Barbie Selada and Lou Therese Regidor, daughter of former PBA cager Lou Regidor.

Among the competing squad today, it's the National Capitol Region which is considered the heavy favorites with the Cebuanos considered as dark horse.

"That's good, they're taking us nicely. Who knows, we can pull an upset!" said coach Mike Reyes.

Although the USC dribblers are expected to bring home the bacon, Reyes said, they don't feel the pressure.

"We're just happy to represent Cebu after winning the Cebu leg, let's just see what happens, we'll just do our best," Reyes added.

No scouting reports were made among the other squads, but just like what others said, Reyes also believed it's the finalists from Manila which they anticipate as the toughest.

Representing NCR in the men's 18-under are Faith Academy-Jet after pulling a surprise upset against defending Asian Streetball champion San Beda College while Luzon will have Cordillera Career Development College (CCDC)-Backdown and Holy Child of Davao for the Mindanao region.

Along with USC, in the distaff side are NCR's University Of Sto. Thomas-Uraha, Mindanao's Assumption College of Davao-Phexjaq and Luzon's University of Cordilleras.

The winner in the national finals will be representing the country to the Asian Championships.