Baby Lancers batter SAAA

THE University of the Visayas Baby Lancers yesterday crushed the St. Agnes Academy of Albay, 88-50 for their second consecutive win in the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas National Under-16 Championships at the Eastern College Gym in Baguio City.

The win was the third in four games by the reigning Cebu Schools Athletic Foundation Inc. (CESAFI) juniors champions pushing them closer to the semifinal round. The Cebuanos need only to win against St. Clare tomorrow to join the undefeated St. John’s Institute of Bacolod City, the only team to beat UV.

In other games, St. Clare College dumped Assumption College of Davao, 79-43, to virtually bag the women’s title even as Sacred Heart of Montessori shocked favored University of Sto. Tomas, 88-78.

Even if it loses to St. Louis University, the undefeated St. Clare still wins the title plus the P20,000 prize donated by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, who also donated P30,000 to the men’s champion.

The Sacred Heart dribblers led by 18 points at one stage as the Growling Tigers, who lost two key players to fouls, succumbed to the enemy’s sizzling offense and defense rotation. Sacred Heart topped Group B with a perfect 4-0 card and earned a semifinal berth.

UST, which fell to 3-1, still advanced to the crossover semis even if Claret School beats Sacred Heart of Jesus by virtue of winner-over-the-other rule following its, 85-77 victory in the elimination. /Correspondent Jonas Panerio