BACOLOD—The age-old rivalry between the big city and the Visayas heats up anew at the national finals of the 2016 SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament backed by Milo as they forged a double face-off for the championships of both the SBP and Passerelle divisions at the St. La Salle Coliseum in Bacolod City.
In the SBP division, defending champion La Salle Greenhills earned a seat in the championship game and a chance for a second straight title after crushing Xavier University of Cagayan de Oro, 75-44, and Berkeley School of Baguio, 62-35.
Not to be outdone, Visayas champion University of the Visayas toppled Berkeley School, 50-40, and Xavier University, 56-42, to grab the second ticket in the finals.
While La Salle Greenhills is considered a title favorite due to its high-octane offense, UV will rely on its defense to score a major upset. Berkeley School and Xavier University will play for third place.
In the Passerelle division, defending champion Adamson University flexed its muscles in big wins over International School for Better Beginnings (69-48) and Holy Child College of Davao (63-28).
Host Bacolod Tay Tung High School followed suit via a 67-60 win over Holy Child College and an 82-48 beating of ISBB.
The NCR champion is heavily favored to repeat as champions owing to its deep and talented line-up which is a virtual collection of blue chip prospects from all over the country.
Tay Tung though, will rely on its grit and heart to score an upset win for the Visayas. Holy Child will face ISBB for third place.