St. Clare virtual champ in women's U-16

BENGUET, Philippines – St. Clare College routed Assumption College of Davao, 79-43, to virtually bag the women’s crown even as Sacred Heart of Montessori shocked fancied UST, 88-78, in a battle of unbeaten teams in the SBP National Under-16 at the Cordillera Career Development College here yesterday.

Even if it loses to St. Louis University, the undefeated St. Clare would still win the title plus the P20,000 donation given by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, who also offered P30,000 to the men’s champion.

Sacred Heart led by 18 in one stretch as the Tigers struggled after losing two key players on fouls, enabling the Cagayan de Oro-based squad to wrest control en route to posting its fourth straight win for a semis spot in Group B.

UST fell to 3-1 but still advanced to the crossover semis even as Claret School beat Sacred Heart of Jesus for the other semis seat following its 85-77 victory in the elims.

International School for Better Beginnings edged St. Bridget College, 59-57, and La Union College of Nursing and Arts downed St. Clare, 77-61, in the men’s division.

Jose de Venecia Sr. Memorial National High School beat St. Louis University, 63-55, in the women’ side.

UST came to within, 61-66, but Sacred Heart hung tough and outgunned the Tigers down the stretch to keep their unbeaten run.

University of Visayas notched its third win in four games as it crushed winless St. Agnes Academy of Albay, 88-50, to move to within a game of the crossover semis at Easter College gym.

The event is organized by SBP and supported by MVP Sports Foundation, Summit Natural Drinking Water, Philex Mining, Energen Nutrition Milk and Cereal and Molten.