Members of the SHS-AdC Under 17 division 1 team gather at center court after winning over USC. (Contributed)
The University of the Visayas (UV) solidified its reputation as a powerhouse in grassroots basketball after winning two championships in the Alaska Basketball D-League 2014 last Sunday at the Magis Eagles Arena at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu (SHS-AdC) campus in Canduman, Mandaue City.
The hosts SHS-AdC also managed to steal some of the thunder away as they won the elite under-17 division 1 title with a heartpounding 66-63 win over rivals University of San Carlos (USC).
The Magis Eagles were in firm control of the match until the Baby Warriors made their comeback to tie the match up at 60-all. But Lyder Canieso and Kyle Cabarrubias scored four straight to put the Eagles ahead, 64-60, with a minute left.
USC pulled to within one, 63-64, but Ramon Lapina iced the game with two free throws.
Jed Colonia shone bright for the Eagles with 22 points while Canieso added 10.
But the day belonged to UV, which added the under-10 and under-15 division 1 crowns to its growing collection.
UV won over USC, 43-38, to hoist the under-10 title, behind the 18 points of Franc Gabunada. It bested SHS-AdC, 62-57, to claim the under-15 title with Beirn Laurente scoring 18 points.
USC also managed to claim a crown as it won the under-12 division 1 with a 64-32 rout of SHS-AdC.
Justin Alano and Vince Razo paced the onslaught with 16 and 12 points, respectively.
In the division 2 finals, UV-B downed Ormoc, 57-43, while SWU won over Don Bosco Liloan, 74-66. UV-Mandaue also emerged victorious with a 79-68 decision over SCSIT.