Three-time defending champions University of San Carlos (USC) made quick work of Don Bosco, 79-18, to open their title defense in the SBP division of the Milo-backed BEST Tournament-Cebu in style last weekend at the Ateneo de Cebu basketball courts along Mango Avenue.
The writing was already on the wall as early as the first period which finished with USC on top, 25-2. Things then turned from bad to worse for Don Bosco in the ensuing frame as Nicael Cabanero caught fire and scored 16 of his 18 points in that stretch to push the lead further, 49-4.
From that point onwards, USC cruised in their campaign for a fourth straight Cebu title.
In the other game, Ateneo de Cebu dominated the University of San Jose-Recoletos (USJ-R), 57-14.
Already ahead, 25-7, at halftime, Ateneo de Cebu turned their game up a level higher and went on a 25-1 scoring rampage in the third to take a 50-8 lead heading to the final canto.
Kent Dumandan paced the winners with 12. The winner of this competition will advance to the regional finals which will be held later this year in Bacolod City.