THE Ateneo de Davao University (Addu) Blue Knights advances to the regional finals set on November 11 after defending the title over arch-rival Holy Child College of Davao (HCCD) Reds, 70-61, in the championship game of the Best Center Sports Davao-organized SBP Passerelle Twin Tournament that came to a close Sunday at the newly-refurbished Fil Oil Flying V Arena.
Czarlo Lorenzo Salvador sizzled with 25 points including eight baskets in the dying minutes.
Salvador was hailed most valuable player (MVP).
The unbeaten Blue Knights also leaned on the services of Venedic Tumulak and Nathan Jeff Oribello who made 14 and 11 points, respectively.
Nathan Tumulak added nine.
Hipolito said the players kept their composure and continued to execute the game plan.
"I'm very proud of my players because they brought their "A" game and gave everything to win every possession of the game," he said, pertaining to Salvador, Tumulak, Oribello, Arthur Katigbak, John Paul Lantajo, Andre Joshua Cayoca, Tristan Raphael Bibay, Julian Joaquin Garcia, John Paul Aladin, Kurt Venedic Tumulak, Justin Cruz, Jethro Andrion, Joaquin Mercado and Al-Zaki Ameer Sangki.
Hipolito, however, underscored that Addu already has a culture of winning and excellence embedded in the students.
"Be it in sports or in studies, championships in sports are always our main goal," Hipolito said.