SHS-Ateneo, Yin-Lan of Taiwan win openers

CEBU, Philippines - Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu and the National Yin-Lan Senior High School of Taiwan scored contrasting wins on opening day of the First Magis Eagles International Friendship Games backed by San Remigio Properties at the Magis Eagles Arena of SHS-Ateneo de Cebu in Canduman, Mandaue City.

The Magis Eagles scored a tough 87-76 win over Colegio de Sta. Ana-Victorias of Negros Occidental, while Yin-Lan halted the Pinoy Youth Dreamers of Manila, 73-60.

 It wasn’t an easy win for the Magis Eagles as they fell behind their taller and bigger opponents, 9-21 after one quarter. The hosts then recovered in the second period as Ramon Lapiña led a rally where they outscored the Victorias-based team 35-22 in the second quarter, giving SHS-Ateneo a one-point lead at halftime, 44-43. The third quarter was tight with SHS-Ateneo ahead, 64-60.

The fourth quarter turned into a team approach as six Magis Eagles combined to stave off any CSA-V rally, with Alex Visser scoring six points from up close and Travis Mantua orchestrating the offense to score the win. Visser and Andrew Velasco had 13 points each to lead the Magis Eagles, while Jeffrey Manday led CSA-V with 27 points.

 In the other game, the Taiwanese guests bucked a slow start before slowly but surely gaining control of the game and nail the win. After leading 18-17 at the end of the first quarter, Yin-Lan leaned on better ball movement and found a way to overcome the stifling PYD defense to take a 42-35 halftime lead.

With the momentum set, Yin-Lan gained control of the game for a comfortable 58-46 lead at the end of the third quarter. Che Ting Lin led Yin-Lan with 15 points. Dan Geronimo led PYD with 18.

 A brief opening ceremony was held to welcome the visiting teams with SHS-Ateneo de Cebu President Fr. Manny Uy, S.J. and Mark Ynoc of San Remigio Properties as special guests. In his talk, Ynoc, an SHS-Ateneo alumnus from Batch 2002, reminded the athletes of the values that they can learn from sports and carry these over to their personal lives. (FREEMAN)