THE reigning champions University of the Visayas pulled off wins in both the SBP and Passerelle divisions to open their title defense in the 32nd SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament sponsored by Milo last weekend at the Magis Eagles Arena in Canduman, Mandaue City.
UV turned away Don Bosco, 46-40, behind a fast start that saw them erect an 18-3 lead after the first period. Though Don Bosco crept to within 31-33, Daniel Padilla took over in the final canto, scoring five points in crunchtime to seal the win for UV.
Padilla led UV with 19 points, besting Don Bosco’s Sid Reroma, who had 16, for high-point honors.
In the other SBP match, Ateneo de Cebu crushed the University of San Carlos, 73-40, behind Erik Jabalon and Jared Bahay’s scoring exploits.
Meanwhile in Group A of the Passerelle class, UV blew away Abellana National School, 75-30, behind a balanced scoring effort that saw Ronan Madanguit, Samuel Melicor and Mike Monton score 10 points apiece.
Southwestern University-Phinma also registered a close, 60-55 win over the University of Southern Philippines Foundation. Job Reyes and Carl Jala pumped in 10 markers each for SWU-Phinma.