CEBU, Philippines - The University of the Visayas stunned defending champion Chiang Kai Shek College of Manila, 64-40, to kick off its campaign in the Passerelle division of the national finals of the BEST SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament 2014 backed by Milo at the Magis Eagles Arena.
The Passerelle Lancers settled the game from the get go, streaking to a 17-5 lead after one quarter behind the nine points of James Zenarosa. They then built a halftime lead of 30-18 before shutting the door on the defending national champions in the third quarter where they took a 48-28 lead courtesy of John Paquibut’s 11 points which included three triples.
Chiang Kai Shek had no reply, giving UV the rare feat of being the first team from the other areas to beat a Manila champion since 2011. Zenarosa led UV with 15 points while Paquibut had 11. Jonas Tibayan led Chiang Kai Shek with 10. In the other game of the Passerelle division, Holy Child School of Davao defeated Holy Angel University of Pampanga, 60-53.
In the SBP division, title favorite Xavier School of Manila showed why they are the team to beat after cruising to a 71-43 win over Bukidnon Faith Christian School. It was another case of settling the game asap as Xavier took a 21-8 lead after one period before boosting the gap to 45-16 at halftime. It was cruise control form then on for the Manila champions.
The trio of Darren Sytin (12 points), Justine Sebastian (11), and Ryan Yu (10) led the Xavier offense. Rovic Dal led Bukidnon with 13 points. In the other SBP game, Ateneo de Iloilo won over Berkeley School of Baguio, 58-40. (FREEMAN)