TANAUAN CITY, Batangas, Philippines – Technological Institute of the Philippines routed Lyceum Northwestern University, 86-67, at the Faith gym here yesterday to clinch a spot in the Elite Eight of the National Collegiate Championship.
National University also smothered Olivarez College, 69-57, to book the last berth in the main event of the annual tournament organized by the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.
Jorey Napoles fired 12 points while Niño Ibañes and Terrence Tumalip added 10 markers apiece as the Engineers capped their impressive showing in the run-up to the tournament proper.
“All we want is respect,” said TIP coach Potit de Vera, who toiled as a long-time assistant in several leagues before finding his break with the Engineers.
On its way to the Elite Eight, TIP stunned Mapua, 70-64, and then outlasted St. Clare, 62-51, at home in Quiapo, Manila to arrange a showdown with LNU, which topped the North Luzon qualifiers in Dagupan, Pangasinan.
Inspired by the pair of huge triumphs, the Engineers dominated the Dukes with their crisp passing and firepower en route to the lopsided win that put them alongside college basketball bigwigs Far Eastern U, Letran, San Beda, University of Santo Tomas, University of San Carlos and University of the Visayas.