By ADRIAN STEWART CO

The University of St. La Salle (USLS) Stingers claimed the UNBL 21-and-under 3rd Chairman’s Cup Negros title after a 77-56 victory over the Colegio de San Agustin (CSA) Bacolod Eagles at the Willy and Nolita Au Court of Bacolod Tay Tung High School.

Joshua Benedict Baldonado and Mark Jun dela Cruz led the way for the Stingers with 17 markers apiece, Jan Aeryc Lanz Catalan added 12 markers, while Jims Jimiera ended with 10 points.

Holding to a slim 19-15 lead after the first quarter, the Stingers went on a huge run in the second frame for a 46-27 halftime lead before widening it to 63-42 after three quarters.

The Eagles threatened a fightback in the fourth quarter as they cut the deficit to 55-65, but the Stingers responded with a 12-1 run, capped by a Jimiera three-pointer, to clinch the crown.

John Mycco Deposoy led the Eagles with 14 points, Fritz Suclan and John Laurene Tuble chipped in nine markers apiece, while Saldy Macabato contributed eight markers in the loss.

Meanwhile, Paul Adrian Barcelona caught fire offensively as Acster Marketing scored an 86-81 win over the New Energy Marketing/Raak Transport to rule the 17-and-under category.

Barcelona spearheaded the offense with 34 points, Daniel Marc Sigaya added 18 markers, while Alfred Ysulan and Jeric Santiesteban combined for 18 markers for Acster.

Barcelona and Sigaya combined for 29 points in the opening half as Acster took a 47-42 halftime lead, but New Energy responded with a huge run to start the third quarter to take a 49-47 lead.

With the score tied at 67-all after three quarters, Acster relied on conversions from Barcelona, Ysulan and Tobby Matthew Orbista in the fourth period to secure the championship.

Brent Yanong paced New Energy with 23 points, Jerry Binguan III chipped in 20 markers, while Ace Cortejo and Vince Maro contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively./ASC, WDJ