CEC wins CYBL passerelle crown

THE CEBU EASTERN College Dragons grabbed the crown in the Passerelle division of the CYBL Vismin Goodwill games 2012 after they defeated the University of San Carlos, 58-50, in the championship game held last Wednesday at the Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Gym in Canduman, Mandaue City.

The Dragons seized the momentum in the third period and took a lead that they would not relinquish until the final buzzer.

CEC found themselves down early, 8-15, after the opening 10 minutes of action. But they managed to recover and even took the lead, 24-23, at halftime. Then came the barrage of points at the start of the third in the form of a 10-2 rally that opened a 34-25 lead with 3:20 remaining in that stretch.

The Dragons kept their distance but the Baby Warriors persevered and came within four, 47-52, with a little over two minutes remaining in the game. CEC, though, kept their composure and countered with five free throws and a field goal to nail the championship.

In the SBP division, St. John’s Institute (SJI) of Bacolod and Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu streaked to 5-1 records to stage a showdown for the championship. SJI bowed to guest team Assumption College of Davao, 37-78, but bounced back to top USC, 54-35. SHS-Ateneo de Cebu nipped Ateneo de Davao, 64-61 and Don Bosco 72-18.

The CYBL Vismin Goodwill Games 2012 is the first-ever gathering of powerhouse teams from the Visayas and Mindanao under the Cebu Youth Basketball League’s expansion programs. A total of 13 teams have gathered for what is expected to become an annual activity for the CYBL. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio