SBC Red Cubs bag BBI cage title over Xavier

SBC Red Cubs bag BBI cage title over Xavier

by rick olivares

The San Beda Red Cubs ruled the 17-Under Smart Breakdown Basketball Invitationals Cherifer Sagad Tangkad tournament with a masterful 65-52 win over hard luck Xavier yesterday at the Moro Lorenzo Sports Center.

The Red Cubs, undefeated throughout the tournament, weathered an early deficit against the Golden Stallions, 20-14, in the first period before dropping a 12-0 bomb to seize the lead for good.

SBC head coach Manu Iñigo’s troops forged ahead behind a barrage of three pointers by Joshua Alcantara and Cyrus Llarena while Jade Talampas was unstoppable in his daring drives to the hoop.

Xavier remained within striking distance after a free throw by Xavier center Miguel Tan, 55-50, with time down to 5:56. Iñigo sent in gunner Kent Pelipel and he responded with two three-pointers that sandwiched a lay-up by Kai Oliva that broke the backs of the Golden Stallions, 63-50, time down to 3:18.

San Beda coasted from that point as both sides traded only two points to close out the scoring.

“We knew that we were in for a tough game against Xavier,” said a victorious Iñigo after the match. “They scouted us well and played us tough. We also got some good breaks.”

San Beda topped almost every statistical category. They scored more points from turnovers, 16-11, and compiled more second chance points, 17-12. However, it was in fastbreak points where San Beda aced Xavier, 12-2.

“I told the boys to run at every chance,” noted Iñigo.

“That was some finish they dropped on us,” noted Xavier coach Carlo Tan of San Beda’s wind up that took the wind of the Golden Stallions’ sails. “I asked the team to be tougher but this is a young team we have. Hopefully, it will be a good learning experience for us as we lose only two players (Nathan Chan and Sadhwani).

Talampas was the only player to score in double figures for the game as he finished with 23 points. Sadhwani led Xavier with nine points.

Named to the Mythical Five Selection were San Beda’s Jade Talampas and Justine Sanchez. Xavier had three playing also named with Sadhwani, Tan, and Nathan Chan named to the division’s best. Tan, as a consolation, took home MVP honors.

Summed up Iñigo after the match, “This might be the last for some of my players as they will move up to the NCAA team next year. At least that is what I hope.”