Benguet — St.Clare College whitewashed Assumption College of Davao, 79-43, and virtually bagged the women’s title even as Sacred Heart of Montessori shocked favored University, 88-78, in a battle of unbeaten teams Wednesday in the SBP National Under-16 at the Cordillera Career Development College.

Even if it loses to St. Louis University, the undefeated St. Clare still wins the title plus the P20,000 donation given by SBP president Manny V. Pangilinan, who also donated P30,000 to the men’s champion.

“Mr. Pangilinan called me after Talk ‘N Text beat Powerade in Game 2 that he will give cash donations to the men and women champions,” said SBP deputy executive director Bernie Atienza.

Sacred Heart dribblers lead by 18 points at one stage as the Growling Tigers, who lost two key players on foul, succumbed to the enemy sizzling offense and defense rotation as the Cagayan de Oro-based squad topped Group “B” with a perfect 4-0 card and a semifinal berth in the process.

UST, which fell to 3-1 card, still advanced to the crossover semis even Claret School beats Sacred Heart of Jesus by virtue of winner over the other following its 85-77 victory in the elimination.

International School for Better Beginnings edged St. Bridget College, 59-57, and La Union College of Nursing and Arts downed St. Clare, 77-61, in the men’s division and Jose de Venecia Sr. Memorial National High School beat St. Louis University, 63-55, in the women’ bracket watched by CCDC students and members of faculty led school president and SBP Board of Trustees member Dean James Malaya.

Malaya tendered a sumptuous lunch with brown rice and fresh harvest vegetables to the organizers of the tournament at his office after the ISBB-St. Bridget College game.

“I’m happy CCDC has been chosen one of the venues of the tournament,” said Malaya.

UST came to within 61-66, but the resilient Sacred Heart dribblers refused to fold up outgunned the Growling Tigers in the homestretch  to preserve its untainted record.

University of Visayas recorded its third win in four matches by crushing winless St. Agnes Academy of Albay, 88-50, to move to within a game of entering the crossover semifinal round at Easter College gym.