By Peter Atencio
Sacred Heart School-Ateneo de Cebu Landmasters’ full-court press worked worked wonders for the Visayan squad once again as they dominated Winnipeg of Canada, 100-79, Thursday in the2023 Smart-NBTC National Finals presented by SM Wednesday at Mall of Asia Arena.
It was the Magis Eagles’ second straight victory after they earlier smothered Rome Elite Italy in the Super 24 opener on Wednesday.
Raffy Celis continued to provide leadership for the Eagles, this time making 25 points, while teammate Michael Asoro added 16 points.
“Ginawa ng mga bata ang ginagawa sa practice. Gumana ang fullcourt press namin,” said Magis Eagles coach Francis Auquico.
The Magis Eagles now share the Pool C lead in Division with the Mapua University Red Robins, who won over Winnipeg, 81-77, in the early morning encounter.
The Magis Eagles and the Red Robins will clash today, Friday, for the right to earn a finals slot on Saturday.
In other Division 1 encounters, Batang Tiaong drew 12 points from John Rex Villanueva as they turned back Pinoy Mavericks of New Zealand, 67-53, while Toronto Canada got 17 points from Devin Fikes in beating the Dubai Patriots, 70-63.
In the Division 2 matches, Royal Trading Stars-Don Bosco, led by Matthew Jucom with 34 points, turned back Team USA, 98-91, while Homegrown Australian struck down University of Luzon-Dagupan, 96-75, with Lester Esperanza knocking in 27 points.
Team Tarlac, behind Jahmir Fajardo’s 25 points, stopped University of Batangas, 96-56, and Doc Boleros edged Holy Trinity-Gensan, 66-61, with Aljon Buena hitting 13.