A third quarter surge by St. John’s Institute left West Negros University reeling as the Johnians swept their best-of-three finals, 77-51, and captured the NOPSSCEA Aspirants basketball crown at  the WNU gym.

From a 35-29 halftime lead, SJI engineered a crippling 21-4 run for more than eight minutes in the third quarter for a 56-33 lead.

Renz Solomon’s two free throws finally broke the ice for the Wesnecans but Jai Arroyo’s five straight points closed the quarter for a commanding 61-35 advantage for SJI.

Arroyo, Carlo Sian and  Emil Japson combined for 19 points in the third quarter SJI explosion.

At the start of the fourth quarter, Toper Co delivered a trey and with another free throw from Arroyo, produced the biggest lead of the game at 65-35 at the 8:42 mark.

A triangle-and-two defense employed by coach Riche Militante worked wonders for SJI as the production of the high scoring WNU duo Jude Junto and Renz Solomon was limited with Leland Dusaban and Third Montinola shadowing them.

With the Wesnecans concentrating their defense on low post threat, Carlo Sian was given the liberty to create scenarios that gave SJI shooters and wingmen the chance to deliver on offense.

The final tally was a surprise as SJI lost to WNU by a point during the elimination round. The Johnians returned the favor in the quarterfinals, winning by the same margin.

Sian’s outstanding performance of 39 points helped SJI win Game 1, 84-75.

In the Game 2 triumph, Sian topscored with 15 points, Japson  added 13 points, Arroyo scored 12, Joshua Co hit 8, Toper Co and Alec Rojas contributed 6 points each and Juan Diego Montoya had 5 points.

Kevyn Parra paced WNU with 13 points, Jude Junto converted 12 points, Renz Solomon picked up 10, and Prinz Convite shot 8 points.*with a report from Stephen Tan

back to top

SJI wins Aspirants championship
Sugar Tee golf tilt fires off March 11
ESD Hurricane paces bowlfest
Dynamic Builders blank Tri-Maxi in 9-A-Side football tournament