CEBU, Philippines — The University of the Visayas is the Small Basketeers Philippines champion for a second straight year after cruising to a 45-18 win over Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu in the finals of the SBP division of the BEST Center SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament backed by Milo.
UV, a team that has dominated this age group for the past two years, faced some resistance in the first half where they built leads of 15-8 and 19-9 after the first two periods.
They finally broke the game wide open in the third period, establishing a big 34-14 leadp behind the combined offense of John Carl Baring, James Ponce and Jan Mark Toring while holding SHS-Ateneo to only five third period points.
It was cruise control for UV the rest of the way.
John Louie Bual led a balanced UV attack with eight points while Jan Mark Toring had six. Wil Franco Mostar led SHS-Ateneo with four.
UV will represent Cebu in the Visayas Regional Finals of the tournament November 9-10 in Iloilo.
In Passerelle division games, SHS-Ateneo defeated University of San Carlos in a battle of undefeated teams, 51-34, to take solo leadership in the team standings.
Leading the Magis Eagles was Joash Cutamora who had eight. Justine Ian Betinol led USC with 13.
Meanwhile, UV trounced Don Bosco Technical College Cebu, 56-18. Nicdom Cabañero led UV with eight while Cristopher Bas had five for Don Bosco.
SHS-Ateneo now leads the pack at 4-0, followed by UV (3-1), USC (3-1), DBTC (1-3), SWU-Phinma (0-3) and SMS-Boystown (0-3).