SJI subdue USLS-IS for 6th title

St. John’s Institute won the provincial eliminations of the Milo SBP Small Basketeers Philippines, holding off University of St. La Salle Integrated School 60-52 at the West Negros University Gymnasium played last Sept. 16, 2012.

The defending champ SJI held a slim 17-15 opening quarter lead in behind the exploits of Andrei Philip Lechoncito, Ralph Chua and King Calinawan 5 points each. The Baby Falcons employed a box in one defense on Andre Dadivas but he still managed to score 10 points.

USLS-IS succumbed to the pressure defense of SJI, as they were limited to 5 points in the 2nd quarter while all 5 players fielded by SJI Coach Kompol Morales scored, spearheaded by Jared Tajonera with 8 points as SJI established a comfortable cushion by halftime 37-20.

Ace Baldevarona and Kian Yves Tecson delivered 6 points each to engineer a USLS-IS rally to draw closer at 48-37. James Garrucho and Steven Pura combined for 9 points for the Baby Falcons.

USLS-IS led by Dadivas with 6 points continued its comeback, as they outscore SJI in the quarter and cut the lead to a single digit. However, time was not on their side, as the 1st half cushion was enough to seal its 6thchampionship in the SBP category.

Most Valuable Player Tajonera paced SJI with 12 points, Calinawan and Lechoncito added 7 points each, Kis Suarez made 6 points, Aceford Chua and Eman Go shot 4 points, JB Co, Kurt Coloso and Kyle Palic delivered 2 points each.

Dadivas finished with 16 points, Polo Miguel Lopingco picked up 7 points, Lance Jomalesa 5 points, Castro 3 points, Masaki Kamei, Arguelles, De La Cruz, Jun Cary Besa and Earl Villarino had 2 points each.

SJI missed out on a double championship, as their Passerrelle team rally from a 12 points 4th quarter deficit fell short against USLS-IS 64-63.

The MILO regional championship will be on November 17-18 in Iloilo City where they will face the champion from Cebu, Iloilo and Roxas City. (Stephen Tan)