Loyola Cup Commences
February 28, 2008

The 3rd St. Ignatius de Loyola Invitational Inter-School Basketball Tournament (Loyola Cup) culminated last Sunday, February 24, 2008 at the Xavier University Gym with the Championship games in the Grade School, High School Jr. Varsity, High School Varsity and College Levels

The Loyola Cup, Spear headed by Xavier University, sanctioned by the BAP-SBP and co-presented by San Miguel Corporation started last November 17, 2007 with a total of 27 teams participating in 4 different categories.

In the Grade School Division, Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori captured the crown after beating XUGS. Corpus Christi finished 3rd. Bryle Salvaña and John Paul Castañares of XUGS, Albert Pacturan of Corpus Christi and Sacred Hearts Paolo Macapayag and Harvey Alvarez compose the Mythical Five.

The Corpus Christi Jr. Varsity Team once again claimed the Top Spot for the 14-under Category as they beat Sacred Heart with a convincing win while XUHS placed 3rd. Corpus Christi's Joseph Alboladora and Elmer Labis lead the Mythical Five together with Jasper Bautista of Pilgrim, Roldan Sara of Sacred Heart and Vo-Van Palomar of XUHS.

The Sacred Heart High School Varsity Team once again proved their dominance on the hard court as they beat Pilgrim Christian College for the Championship in the 17-under Category. 6'6 Phillip Paredes, now a member of the RP Youth Team came home to play for the finals and made a powering finish by performing a thunderous slam dunk towards the end of the game. The Mythical Five are PJ Siarot of Pilgrim, Michol Sorela of Corpus Christi, Jigger Sabal of XUHS and Richard Kwong and Raymond Peñalosa of SHJMS.

In the College Finals, Xavier University once again captured the crown at the expense of Liceo de Cagayan University.

With the game very close from the tip-off, King Crusader Cris Abrio rose to the challenge to lead his team with a three-point basket with less than 2 minutes left on the clock. The Titans of Liceo were still able to attempt a basket but XU's defense made it difficult for them to convert. Abrio then converted another basket to give Xavier a cushion lead of 4 points with 26 seconds remaining.

As the buzzer sounded, the Crusaders ran to center court to celebrate the win.

Jett Yaranon and James Simon of Xavier leads the Mythical Five with Joseph Tilap of Liceo, Stephen Go of CU and Reul Biongcog of STI College completing the cast.

"We are very happy with the outcome of the 3rd Season and we will look forward to the 4th Season Next Year," explained XU Athletic Director Boboy Sabal. "We will be bigger next year as we have sent invitations to schools in Iligan and Bukidnon to participate," he added.

Also present during the Closing and Awarding Ceremonies of the Loyola Cup were BAP-SBP Executive Pato Gregorio, BAP-SBP Regional Head Rey Baula and Xavier University President Fr. Jett Villarin, SJ.

3rd St. Ignatius de Loyola Invitational Inter-School Basketball Tournament
Official Results

Back to top