THE Small Basketeers of the Philippines squad of the University of the Visayas will be up against some tough odds as it faces off against the country’s best in the 34th SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament National Finals - backed by Milo at the Dinggoy Roxas Civic Center in Roxas City on Nov. 23 and 24, 2019.

The UV squad of head coach Ronald Bucao is seeking to finally claim the title after falling short and finishing second last year. However, the very same squad that defeated them last year — the La Salle Greenhills — remains the title favorite as it looks to capture a fifth straight national crown.

Also in the mix for the SBP title are the Berkeley School of Baguio and the Corpus Christi School of Cagayan de Oro.

Competing for the Passerelle crown are defending champions National University, Hercor College of Roxas, Xavier University High School and the International School for Better Beginnings of Lucena.

The SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament is the premier tournament for the age group/grassroots level. The SBP is for the Under 12, 11 and 10 age groups, while the Passerelle division is for the Under 15, 14 and 13 age groups.

Games of this nationwide tournament started in August at the local level in Baguio, Pangasinan, Pampanga and Lucena for Luzon; Iloilo, Roxas, Bacolod and Cebu for the Visayas; Davao, Cagayan de Oro and Zamboanga for Mindanao. Metro Manila served as one region. Regional championships were then held in October and November, leading to this weekend’s national finals. (JNP)