By ADRIAN STEWART CO

Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod (CSA-B) showed steadiness in the overtime period to upset Luisa Medel National High School (LMNHS), 69-65, in the 1st United Negros Basketball League (UNBL) Aspirants Cup at the Msgr. John Liu Activity Center in Bacolod City.

CSA-B were poised for a victory as they were on top, 55-49, with over two minutes left, but Luisa Medel responded with 10 unanswered points to take a 59-55 advantage with a minute remaining in the regulation.

CSA-B then got two free throws each from King Sarmiento and Hyden Sante with 19 seconds remaining for a 59-all count before Luisa Medel misfired at the buzzer to force an extension.

In the overtime period, CSA-B turned things around behind John Felix Garrido, Balisi Jhia Treves and Leon Cuadra for a finishing 7-2 scoring blast to complete the upset victory.

Sarmiento top-scored with 33 points, with 26 coming in the second half, while Lance Arrey and Balisi combined for 20 markers as the CSA-B improved to a 2-4 win-loss slate.

Jester Paypa finished with 22 points, Chester Dale Andales added 12 markers, while Zelrey Lamela and Ralph Chennai Arceño had 10 markers apiece as Luisa Medel dropped to a 3-3 win-loss slate.

The victory by CSA-B temporarily derailed the quarterfinals hopes of the Christian Yasa-mentored LMNHS with several teams still in contention for the four round-of-eight seats in Bracket A.

Meanwhile, Bacolod City National High School (BCNHS) scored a lopsided victory over St. Rose of Lima (STROLS) to improve to a 3-2 win-loss slate. STROLS is still winless in six games.

Zaijhan Devide led BCNHS with 16 points, while Johnrex Baynosa added 10 markers. Kid Anthony Alit tallied nine points, while Justin Nikko Javelona dropped six markers.

St. John’s Institute-Bacolod had a walkover win over default Domingo Lacson National High School to lead Bracket B with six wins and no loss./ASC, WDJ