Banking on a big breakaway in the second half, Naga College Foundation overpowered University of Batangas, 82-69, to rule the South Luzon-Bicol qualifier of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) for the first time yesterday at Robredo Coliseum in Naga City.
The NCF Tigers, who drew 25 points from Ronn Romana, not only completed a sweep of the round-robin tournament, but also earned a slot in the Luzon-Metro Manila regional games.
Fredson Hermonio and Leonel Barde also combined for 33 points for the Tigers, who opened the second half with a 21-9 outburst to break the game wide open, 58-44, from a slim 37-35 halftime lead.
The Tigers take on a bigger challenge in the Luzon-Metro Manila regionals starting tomorrow when they clash with Metro Manila qualifier Diliman College in the first of the stepladder, knockout games at Faith gym in Tanauan City, Batangas.
Other contenders in the regionals: UAAP powerhouse La Salle, NCAA semifinalists Jose Rizal U and Perpetual Help, Centro Escolar, St. Clare and the winner of the North-Central Luzon leg.
Lyceum Northwestern, University of Northern Philippines of Vigan, University of Baguio, Lyceum of Subic Bay and La Finns Scholastica-La Union are vying for the North-Central Luzon title in Dagupan City. Jasmine W. Payo