After dethroning last year’s champion University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos Rams, 98-91, in the semifinals Saturday, West Negros University – STI Mustangs beat early finalist University of St. La Salle Stingers, 77-69, in game one of the best-of-three final yesterday at Tay Tung Gym, to edge closer towards gaining back the top spot in collegiate basketball competition in the province.

UNO-R further faded into the background as NOPSSCEA basketball officials declared Colegio San Agustin – Bacolod as third place winner, despite the Rams 64-47 victory against the Eagles yesterday.

Tournament director George Acot said UNO-R forfeited their victory after fielding Richter Santillan, who was sent out of the game by the referees in the semifinal playoff against West Negros the previous day.

While a one game automatic suspension on the player is not stated in the FIBA rules, Acot said they based their decision on the tournament house rules which all the teams are familiar with.

Meanwhile, the Mustangs hope to clinch the win against the Stingers on Saturday, November 15, in game two of the finals.

After trailing 12-16 in the first quarter and 32-33 at halftime, the Mustangs outscored the Stingers in the third quarter, 23-16, as Errol Doromal dominated the low, while Kervie Andrada hit his target from the perimeter and Jan Nermal grabbed crucial rebounds for second chance points.

Doromal led the Mustangs with 22 points while Andrada and Nermal had an identical 15-point output. Dave Chuatico topscored for the Stingers with 16 points while bigman Daryl Endona tallied 15.*NAB

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