MANILA, Philippines—San Sebastian College-Cavite dethroned STI College in the NAASCU finals over the weekend to become the sixth qualifier in the “Sweet 16” Finals of the 2008 Philippine Collegiate Championship League.
UAAP champion Ateneo de Manila University, NCAA winner San Beda College, UAAP runner-up De La Salle University, NCAA second placer Jose Rizal University and CUSA champion Manuel L. Quezon University have also clinched “Sweet 16” berths.
The Baycats’ 86-77 Game 3 victory at the Makati Coliseum handed them their first NAASCU title in only their third season in the league.
The Olympians won the finals opener, 75-52, but the Baycats swept the next two games, including a series-tying 97-75 victory.
They finished second behind the Olympians at the end of the elimination round, posting a 13-5 win-loss record against the latter’s 15-3 slate.
Slotman Kris Lucernas was picked Most Valuable Player.
STI and NAASCU fourth placer St. Clare College of Caloocan are entered in the “Wild Card” phase where the winner also earns a seat in the Sweet 16 Final Challenge slated in Manila starting Nov. 24.
In the Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (Cesafi) finals, defending champion University of Visayas is currently ahead, 2-1, in its best-of-five showdown with University of San Jose-Recoletos.
UV took the first two games, 86-74 and 71-61, but USJ-R delayed the Lancers’ party with an 86-53 Game 3 win.
For more details about the biggest collegiate basketball event of the year, visit official website www.collegiatechampionsleague.net. Romina S. Austria
