STI College-Cagayan de Oro and Holy Trinity College inched closer to a Sweet 16 stint after downing separate semifinal opponents in the Mindanao regional competition of the 2012 Philippine Collegiate Champions League.
Robert Tamparong unloaded 26 points as the STI Olympians downed Zamboanga champion St. Joseph College, 88-73, recently to clinch a regional title slot at Mindanao State University gym in Iligan City.
Ohmar Marohombsar had 12 points and John Rey Villar added eight for the Olympians.
Holy Trinity arranged a title showdown with the Olympians as Christopher Misaglang fired 25 points to power the Wildcats past Holy Cross College of Davao, 83-76.
Meylan Landicho and Mcdenber Polistico combined for 25 markers for the Wildcats.
The Mindanao champion will advance to the Sweet 16 Finals in Manila along with Visayas leg winner West Negros University.
Iligan City Mayor Lawrence Cruz hosted the event as part of the city’s youth and sports program.
North and Central Luzon collegiate teams will also vie for a Sweet 16 berth from Nov. 4 to 6 in San Fernando City in La Union while the South Luzon and Bicol squads will fight for a slot from Nov. 3 to 5 at Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum in Naga City.
Five-time UAAP champion Ateneo earned an outright Sweet 16 berth along with UAAP finalist University of Santo Tomas and semifinalists National University and La Salle.
NCAA finalists San Beda and Letran also secured seats together with semifinalists San Sebastian and Perpetual Help, Cebu champion Southwestern University, University of Visayas and University of San Jose-Recoletos.
For tournament details, visit www.collegiatechampionsleague.net. Jasmine W. Payo