Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu downs Cebu Eastern College in Game 1 of Finals

The reigning champions Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles took one step closer towards a repeat title after they repulsed th Cebu Eastern College (CEC), 68-51, in Game 1 of the Seaoil NBTC Elite League best-of-three finals yesterday at the City Sports Club Cebu basketball court.

Henry Asilum, the Philippine Under-16 team member, topped SHS-AdC with 15 points while Mavii Suarez and Patrick Go added 14 and 13, respectively.

The Magis Eagles asserted control of the game in the third period, where they dominated a Dragons squad that appeared lost and confused on both ends of the floor.

In that stretch, the Eagles went on a sizzling 17-2 run that was highlighted by back-to-back triples by Dave Wilson Yu and Asilum.

As hot as the Eagles were on offense in the third canto, the Dragons were on the opposite end of the spectrum as they managed a measly four points in that stretch.

The Dragons got back into the game and even took the lead at 31-30, after a basket by Bacolod native John Carmel Caspe. Still, the Eagles led, 32-31, at halftime.

Then came the third stanza, which the Eagles started with makes by Suarez, Jair Igna and Rendell Senining for a 38-31 cushion.

Later on, Yu fired in a trey from the left wing and  Asilum drilled a straghtaway three-pointer. The Eagles finished off that run with a fastbreak layup by Go and a floater from Asilum that established a 49-33 lead.