SJI bags SBP crown in Milo tourney
ST. John’s Institute dominated Bacolod Tay Tung High School, 7044, to retain the crown of the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas Passerelle Twin Tournament Bacolod leg on Saturday at the NOTF Gym in Bacolod City.
The Baby Falcons crippled BTTHS with a full-court trapping defense to erect a commanding 354 lead in the first quarter.
Turnovers led to several breakaway layups by Paul Barcelona who scored 14 points, Carlos Reonal made seven points and the offensive putbacks by Luke Zapata resulted to six points while the Baby Thunderbolts missed all their free throws in that canto, thus the rout.
John Ordas scored 12 markers in the second quarter for Tay Tung but it hardly mattered as the Baby Falcons led by Burj Lapuos and Matthew Ramirez maintained an imposing lead at the break, 47-18.
The offense of Julio Teruel and the defense of Zachary Javelosa, Miggy Sy, Tabby Espartero and Stan Valencia limited Tay Tung to five points in the third quarter to extend the lead anew, 58-23.
Coach Arvin Gustilo did some adjustment in the game especially on the defensive end after the elimination round loss to Tay Tung. “I’m glad the boys responded and followed our game plan,” said an ecstatic Gustilo.
Meanwhile, the University of St. La Salle-a finished second runner-up post while the SJI Team B got the Sportsmanship Award in the SBP division.*