CENTRO Escolar completed an 11-game sweep of the eliminations, drubbing defending champion St. Clare, 67-41, last night to book outright finals berth in the National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) at Makati Coliseum.
Forward Jason Opiso and point guard Mon Alvin Costanos unloaded 13 and 10 points, respectively, as the Scorpions made a rare run-out en route to their third straight final appearance.
Now they wait for the outcome of the stepladder semis among St. Clare, Fatima and Rizal Technological.
“I did not expect us to sweep because St. Clare is also a tough team, and we are still trying to jell as a team,” said CEU coach Egay Macaraya, who steered the defunct San Sebastian Cavite to the title in 2008 and 2009.
Elmer Managuelod made 10 points for St. Clare, which trailed the determined CEU the rest of the way.
Earlier, Fatima slammed City University of Pasay, 131-71, while RTU won over New Era via default to make the Final Four.
They square off on Sept. 17 also at Makati Coliseum with the winner gaining the right to face St. Clare—which will have twice-to-beat advantage—for the second finals slot.
The Saints wound up with a 9-2 record. Marc Anthony Reyes