Manila, Philippines?A season that began in tragedy ended in triumph for the University of the Visayas.

The UV Lancers overcame the University of San Jose-Recoletos Jaguars, 73-68, Wednesday night to seal their eighth straight title in the Cebu Schools Athletic Federation Inc. at the Cebu Coliseum.

The Lancers, drawing inspiration from late teammate Lucky Pitogo, who was shot fatally by unidentified assailants in April, won the best-of-five championship series, 3-1.

The victory also earned them a spot in the ?Sweet 16? of the Smart-PLDT Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Six-foot-11 center Greg Slaughter bucked the Jaguars? physical play by finishing with 16 points and 19 rebounds in the title-clincher to capture the finals? Most Valuable Player award.

UV moved on the brink of winning the title by routing USJR by an average of 11 points in the first two games.

The Jaguars roared back with a stirring 86-53 win to extend the series.

But UV rookie guard Harold Cincoflores sparkled in Game 4, where he scored 16, including six in the fourth quarter, to give the Lancers a 64-59 advantage from a 56-54 deficit.

The Lancers, who lost to Ateneo in the PCCL finals last year, join the UAAP champion Blue Eagles, NCAA winner San Beda, La Salle, Jose Rizal U, San Sebastian-Cavite and Manuel L. Quezon University in the Sweet 16 tournament that starts on Nov. 24 in Manila.

The Jaguars and Cesafi third placer University of San Carlos will join the zonal phase of the competition.

Also advancing to the zonals are Don Bosco Technical College-Mandaluyong and Lyceum of the Philippines-Batangas.

Don Bosco NCAA-South teams will battle UAAP fourth placer University of the East in Zone 2 while Lyceum-Batangas will face NCAA Final Four qualifier Mapua.