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Consider this a Flying V 5th Collegiate Champions League record upset.

STI College , the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) champion, pumped in the needed points down the stretch last November 21, 2007 to upset the FEU Tamaraws, 77-72, and grab a semifinal slot.

Denying FEU’s diehard supporters, transferees Mark Balneg and Howard Flor executed the plays designed by head coach Vic Ycasiano in the final quarter to get the win and arrange a title showdown against early semifinalist University of Visayas.

“I told them to just keep the game close,� said Ycasiano. “Our chances are big if we are keep this as close aas possible because I’m confident that our renewed character will help us win.�

Former Letran Knight Mark Balneg had seven of his 12 points in the fourth period, including two consecutive baskets in the last minute mark for a 75-72 lead with 33 seconds left. The Tamaraws failed to score in the final seconds.

Howard Flor, who played for National University in 2005, made four free throws in the final 30 seconds to peg the final score.

“We just need to prove to everybody that we are champions from a competitive league,� said Flor, who also had 12 rebounds and 4 assists. “Aside from that, everybody is expecting that we’ll play well in this league because we come from the UAAP and NCAA.�

Ramon Mabayo also contributed 12 points and Dexter Micutuan added 11 also for the Olympians.

After a series of deadlocks, FEU almost won the game after leading by 68-63 with 3:54 minutes left as Mac Baracael, leading the Tamaraws with 15 points, scored 3 straight baskets.

But the Olympians countered a 6-0 blast to regain the edge, 69-68, with 1:53 minutes remaining, which they never relinquished at the crucial part of the game.

Individual scores:

STI 77- Mabayo 12, Balneg 12, Flor 11, Micutan 11, Cabangon 8, Porto 7, Tiongco 6, Mendoza 5, Juan 4, Tolentino 2

FEU 72- Baracael 15, Barroca 10, Ramos 10, Adolfo 10, Alisbo 7, Fernandez 7, Cawaling 7, Cervantes 5, Abarring 1, Cabagnot 0, Knuttel 0

Quarter scores: 20-14; 35-35; 51-51; 77-72

Tags: CCL, CCL-2007, Collegiate-Champions-League, FEU, Glen-Capacio, News, Olympians, STI, Tamaraws

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