SPC Sharks in double-whammy win over XU Crusaders
SOUTHERN de Oro Philippines College scored twin victories over Xavier University (XU) teams in different semifinal matches of the 13th Loyola Cup Basketball Tournament here on Sunday at the XU gym.
Defending champions SPC Sharks moved to the college men’s final after dispatching XU Crusaders, 85-81; even as their junior counterparts marched to the 18-under final via 70-56 win against the jr. Crusaders.
At 5-foot-five, SPC guard Justin Felomino earned the name “Kid Kidlat” after sparking off the Sharks’ offensive blows.
Felomino proved that he is no longer a rookie guard and showed that he is ready to take a gargantuan task as SPC’s sixth man, which was vacated by ex-SPC guard Marlon Daitol.
Everybody in the SPC bench was surprised how Felomino soared high with 18 points and muscled his way for a daredevil lay-ups against the bigmen of XU.
“Kuratan ko. I was not expecting he could lead kay usually he is effective sa depensa labina sa full-court pressure,” said SPC coach Rey Dangcal.
From a 18-15 SPC lead in the first quarter, Felomino sparked a fierce assault as the Sharks took a commanding 21-point lead in the second quarter.
XU gave a hell of a fight when coach Rocky Calingin fixed his Crusaders’ sloppy defense and tightened it with full-court hassle as they went back on their feet.
They slew the Sharks and converted some steals that closed the gap by five with less than two minutes remaining in the final fourth quarter, 72-77.
But, Earl John Ibot, who gave 16 markers for SPC, kept the pace enough for the Sharks to hold a slight edge before Jif Montecalvo fortified the win after connecting three charities.
The Sharks will defend their title against Professional World Academy (PWA) in the final.
PWA of coach Oliver Kwong was the first to march in the final after besting Philippine Countryville College of Maramag, 93-82, in the semifnal.
The jr. Sharks will also see action in the final as they go against Bukidnon Faith Christian School for the 18-under crown.