University of St. La Salle defeated two champions before bowing to National Capital Region winner La Salle-Greenhills, 84-65, in the passerelle title showdown of the 2005 Milo Best Center national finals at the Natalio G. Velez Gym in Silay City yesterday.

The Baby Stingers nipped the Mindanao titlist Ateneo de Zamboanga University, 74-70, Saturday, before trouncing St. John's Cathedral School, the Luzon champion, 71-54, to barge into the finals.

My cagers played well, USLS coach Troy Sarabia said, adding that he is glad just reaching the finals of a national tournament.

San Beda College rallied past Ateneo de Davao University to register a 59-52 victory in overtime to bring home the SBP crown.

The USLS stalwarts never got into their rhythm right from the onset as their drives were foiled by the big men of Greenhills, as their perimeter attack also failed to connect.

Anchoring the LSGH's inside defense was the 6'4" Vin Fran.

After trailing 25-12 at the end of the opening quarter, the Baby Stingers, winners in the Visayas, went on a 9-0 run midway to the second period to trim LSGH's lead to 30-21, but Greenhills countered with a 5-0 spurt behind the inside plays of Martin Reyes for a 35-21 buffer.

Leading USLS' run were Paolo Hoyumpa and Rafael Melocoton, who converted back-to-back three point attempts.

The Baby Stingers, who earned the right to represent the Visayas after posting a 62-56 triumph over Don Bosco Technical Institute-Cebu, were spearheaded by Timothy Dumancas who poured in 16 points.

Point guard Luigi Dela Paz contributed 12 points, while Patrick Blance chipped in 6 points.

Powering the Greenhills' balanced offensive attack was Fran with 13 points, while the 6'0" Reyes added 11 markers.

Marco Yulo and Matthew Sia, who started the fourth quarter with back-to-back three-point shots, also made solid contributions for the towering LSGH squad of Robert Dela Rosa after finishing with 6 points each.

In the SBP category, the SBC stalwarts limited AdDU, the Mindanao titlist, to 4 points in the payoff period to force overtime.

Having a 43-35 deficit going into the last quarter, the Britt Remoma-mentored Red Cubs employed their stifling pressure defense that surprised the Baby Eagles and forced turnovers leading to easy baskets.

The tandem of Carlos Mustre and Lloyd Castor powered the San Beda comeback as they combined for 7 of SBC's 9 points in the fourth period.

Mustre and Castor also came up big in the extra session as they shot 4 and 3 points, respectively.

Mustre, son of former PBA player Mike Mustre, anchored the Red Cubs' offense with 16 points, while Castor registered 13 markers.

The trio of Francis Munsayac, Christian Miranda and Boden Miranda combined for 22 points to provide support for San Beda.

Pacing AdDU's losing effort was Rene Sta. Maria with 13 points, while Jude Geocaniga added 11 markers. *CIT

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