Despite losing its bid for a 15th straight title in NOPSSCEA men’s basketball, the West Negros University remains in contention for a crown, this time in high school division, as the Junior Mustangs formally advanced into the semifinals last night by routing University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos’, 96-74, at the St. John’s Institute Activity Center.

But the rivalry between these two schools is not yet over as the young Rams still managed to secure a semis berth by earning a higher quotient against defending champion SJI and Bacolod Tay Tung High School after yesterday’s tussle.

UNO-R will play against Milo Passarelle regional finals first runner-up University of St. La Salle in the semifinals tomorrow at 9 a.m., while WNU will face Trinity Christian School in the other semis clash at 10:30 a.m.

Although they are relinquishing their title to the new champion this year, SJI bowed out of the tournament with heads held up high as they beat BTTHS, 93-75, in their last assignment yesterday.

Tournament manager Bobby Tee said the SJI - BTTHS match-up was crucial in determining the quotient between the three teams that are vying for the last seat in the semifinals.

UNO-R edged SJI and BTTHS with a higher quotient to grab the No. 2 position in their bracket behind WNU, while USLS-IS topped the other bracket with TCS at the second spot.

Meanwhile, schedule in elementary basketball semifinals is still uncertain as NOPSSCEA acting Sports Task Force chairman Rev. Edwin Madlangbayan said his committee is still finalizing the details with the four teams – USLS, SJI, BTTHS, and TCS.*NAB

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