Cubs rout Stallions, top premier junior caging

San Beda dispelled any doubts about its status as the best high school team in the country by ruling the 3rd Philippine Secondary Schools Basketball Championship-Ironcon Builders Cup last Saturday at Chiang Kai Shek College Gym in Tondo, Manila.

Displaying the brilliance that has won them a sixth straight—and a record 21st overall—NCAA title last month, the Red Cubs dumped the Xavier School Stallions, 89-59, to win their first PSSBC crown.

After settling for a 25-12 first quarter lead, the Cubs padded their lead to 41-19 at halftime before practically sealing the win in the third by building a 25-point lead.

Fans anticipating a close title clash went home disappointed as the Stallions hardly showed the niftiness that helped them topple Chiang Kai Shek College and reigning UAAP champion National University in the quarterfinals and semifinals, respectively.

Andrei Caracut and Chami Diputado started San Beda’s onslaught before Kenneth Alas’ scoring spree underscored the team’s domination.

The Cubs shot an impressive 59 percent from the field (29-of-49) and also dominated in rebounding, 52-29. The team likewise displayed better team work with its 22 assists against the 11 by Xavier.

Caracut, who shared the scoring honors with Diputado, emerged as the Finals MVP. He also had 12 boards and four assists.

Tyler Tio, as usual, carried the fight for the Golden Stallions with 15 point but got little support from his teammates.

“Hats off to San Beda because they proved to be this year’s best [high school] team,” said Tio.

Earlier, the Bullpups nipped the Far Eastern U Baby Tamaraws, 63-59, to finish third in the tournament also sponsored by Blackwater-Ever Bilena, Freego, Rain or Shine, Dickies Underwear, Hapee Toothpaste, Jumbo Plastic Linoleum and MEC Computers.

PSSBC chair Jimi Lim along with league commissioner Ato Badolato and NCAA management committee chair Paul Supan of host Jose Rizal U awarded the champion’s trophy to San Beda plus a P50,000 check.

Aside from Caracut and Tio, also making it to the Mythical Selection were JV Gallego of CKSC, Jollo Go of Hope Christian HS, Darius Estrella of JRU, Denniel Aguirre of Mapua, Chris Fajarito of FEU and Mark Dyke of NU.