INQUIRER Sports

BACOLOD CITY, Philippines—A torrent of triples in the second half powered Arellano University past West Negros University, 79-67, Friday night and booked for the Chiefs a return trip to the Sweet 16 of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

The victory clinched a three-game sweep of the zonal tournament for the Chiefs, who advanced to the national finals for the second straight year. Arellano lost to San Beda in the PCCL quarterfinals last year.

University of San Carlos also reached the Sweet 16 after crushing Holy Trinity College, 86-63.

The Warriors, who stunned West Negros, 71-57, Thursday night, finished the tournament with a 2-1 record. USC was bundled out by San Beda in the first round of the Sweet 16 last year.

Gio Ciriacruz and Adrian Celada combined for seven of Arellano’s 11 treys as the Chiefs overcame a 30-point effort by WNU guard Alfie Villariza.

Meanwhile, Adamson and two-time Naascu champion San Sebastian-Cavite prevailed over University of Cebu and University of San Jose-Recoletos, respectively, to pace the zonal tournament in Cebu, which also stakes two slots to the Sweet 16.

Roider Ross Cabrera knocked in a triple with 27 seconds remaining to lift the Falcons to a narrow 78-72 victory.

The Baycats turned to Naascu MVP Jun Gracilla in the clutch for an 86-77 triumph. Gracilla finished with 21 points, including a three-point play that gave the Baycats enough cushion against the rallying Jaguars.