West Negros College-B nipped WNC-A, 23-20, to seize the TeleTech 3-on-3 Basketball Tournament crown Saturday at the University of St. La Salle-Integrated School Covered Court in Bacolod City.

Swingman Ely Olarte and Vengie Vergara led the championship bid of WNC-B as they hit clutch baskets down the stretch to prevail over WNC-A spearheaded by point guard Stanley Tizon.

Armed with a twice-to-beat advantage, WNC-B earned a place in the finals after beating West Negros-C, 25-18, in a sudden-death game after absorbing a 20-28 setback in their first encounter.

West Negros-B won against USLS-3, 25-17, and Colegio de San Agustin-Bacolod, 18-13, in the eliminations gain an advantage in the semis.

The Wesnecans, led by Vergara as he hit three straight three-point shots in the final two minutes, bowed to the TeleTech Titans, 24-25, in an exhibition game.

With their impressive performances in the one-day event, Olarte, who also ruled the slam dunk competition, and the sweet-shooting Vergara will be given chances to tryout for the Jerry Codiñera-mentored TeleTech Titans of the Philippine Basketball League.

TeleTech team consultant Robert Sison said he was impressed with the talents of the local players, especially Olarte and Vergara so they will be scheduled for tryouts with the PBL team. Sison, former coach of the Negros Slashers in the now defunct Metropolitan Basketball Association, said that he was also surprised on how the level of basketball has gone up in the province.

Team manager Benjie Castillo said he was amazed with the creativity of Olarte and the shooting ability of Vergara so he will talk with the coaching staff regarding the tryout.

In a press conference at Bascon Hotel Friday night, Codiñera, a former Philippine Basketball Association standout, said that he was satisfied with the performance of his squad even if it finished second to the last in the team standings because it was only formed two weeks before the conference.

Codiñera said they are conducting tournaments because the coaching staff is scouting for players in Bacolod, Cebu and Mindanao, who might be able to help them in their campaign.

Castillo said TeleTech, a call center firm, also formed a basketball team, hoping that it would help them in achieving their advertising and marketing goals. *CIT

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