THE SACRED Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Magis Eagles got their campaign off on the right foot as they destroyed the University of Cebu Baby Webmasters, 73-45, in the Passerelle division of the Milo-backed 2011 BEST Twin Tournament yesterday at the old SHS campus along Mango Avenue.
The Magis Eagles set the tempo early in the game as they zoomed right ahead, 27-5, in the first period behind the offensive exploits of new recruit Arnie Padilla, the son of former PBA player Onie Padilla.
The Magis Eagles’ execution sputtered in the ensuing canto as they managed just six points while allowing the UC to carve up 12 for a 33-17 lead at halftime.
Things were quickly turned to normal in the third frame as another blue-chip recruit Rendell Senining, formerly of the University of San Jose-Recoletos, orchestrated Ateneo’s offense to perfection.
A former member of the Jr. NBA Philippines national squad, Senining scored eight in that barrage and combined with Lyle Medalle to establish a 56-28 lead heading to the final period.
Jarek Mercado and Medalle led the way for Ateneo with 10 each while UC got 11 apiece from Kerr Nemil and Kent Trangia.
In other games in the Passerelle division, the Cebu Eastern College Dragons scored a whopping 83-39 win over the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation Baby Panthers, the University of the Visayas pummelled Don Bosco, 54-36, while the University of San Carlos bested the Cebu Institute of Technology-University, 56-46. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio