XAVIER School continued its golden run in the 2018 Smart City Hoops Summer Classic, this time claiming the 17-Under championship while Nazareth School of National University took home the 15-Under title.
The Golden Stallions escaped a game challenge from San Beda-Alabang, 62-57 in the 17-U Finals to take home the crown last May 31.
Darren Sytin stepped up in a big way in the titular duel, pouring 13 points and eight rebounds for Xavier as he proved to be the perfect complement for tournament MVP Miguel Tan who was held to just nine points and six boards.
Clinging to a tight 59-57 lead in the final 20 seconds, Xavier forced an interception which led to Tan splitting his free throws to give his side a three-point advantage as San Beda-Alabang was unable to get a shot in the waning seconds of the game.
This was the Golden Stallions’ second championship in the summer tournament after earlier taking home the championship in the 10-Under Division.
Hans delos Reyes carried the Red Cubs with 16 points, 11 rebounds, and three blocks in a losing cause.
In the 15-Under Division, the Bullpups evaded a strong challenge from Letran to escape with a 45-36 win last July 2.
Reinhard Jumamoy topscored for NU with his 16 points and four rebounds as his side got contributions from all around despite Tournament MVP Kenji Duremdes’ off-shooting one-point performance.
Second-generation forward Echo Laure sparked the 8-0 surge that allowed the Bullpups to turn a close 26-27 disadvantage to a 34-27 lead in the fourth quarter en route to the victory.
Bradley Palmes anchored the Squires with nine points in the runner-up finish in the tournament presented by Chooks-to-Go, Mighty Sports, Rain or Shine Elasto Paint, and Wilson Basketball.
The scores:
17-U Finals:
XAVIER 62 — Sytin 13, M. Tan 9, Lim 9, S. Tan 8, Tanchenco 8, Yu 5, Alandy-Dy 4, Chenglay 0, Siggaoat 0, Chua 0
SAN BEDA-ALABANG 57 — Delos Reyes 16, Armamento 10, Yee 6, Menor 6, Alquige 5, Merencillo 4, Morenos 4, Villa 3, Masilungan 3, Aquino 0, Arciaga 0, Cabrera 0, Mendoza 0
Quarters: 16-14, 26-30, 40-45, 62-57
15-U Finals:
NU 45 — Jumamoy 16, Palacide 8, Laure 6, Militar 5, Tamayo 5, Gloria 2, Padilla 2, Duremdes 1, Paguiligan 0, Elijah 0, Viheya 0
LETRAN 36 — Palmes 9, Abanico 7, Atiyeh 7, Gueverra 3, Suansing 3, Valenzona 2, Balasabas 2, Manisic 2, Maglupay 1, Hernandez 0, Gonzales 0, Tablizo 0, Cruz 0
Quarters: 9-9, 13-16, 25-24, 45-36