Sweet revenge.

West Negros College turned back defending champion University of Perpetual Help Altas, 62-58, yesterday for its first win in the 60th National Students Inter-Collegiate Basketball Championships at the ICR Gym in Bicol.

It was actually payback for the Mustangs, who saw their title bid in the same tournament last year in Dumaguete City end, following a quarterfinal loss to the Altas.

But West Negros showed up UPH yesterday, underscoring its dominance in the shaded lane and in the backcourt. Unlike its quarterfinal meeting last year in Tanjay, the Mustangs never trailed in yesterday's game.

West Negros was spearheaded by swingman Vengie Vergara who poured in 11 points, while Stanley Tizon and Ely Olarte contributed 10 and 9 points, respectively.

The Wesnecans employed stifling defense in the final three minutes to establish a 59-50 advantage. Sivirino Baclao and Vergara made crucial baskets during the stretch to help put away UPH for good.

Baclao, who anchored the offense and defense of WNC in the shaded area, finished with 7 points.

West Negros coach Elvis Atinado expressed satisfaction over his the Mustangs' performance.

"This win will certainly boost the confidence of the team because we defeated the defending champions. I believe that my players will still get better as the tournament progresses," Atinado, who steered West Negros to the UniGames crown last year, said.

Joel Deocadis and back up center-forward Donald Quilantang missed yesterday's game due to injuries, Atinado said.

The Mustangs have won the NOPSSCEA collegiate basketball tournament for seven consecutive years. Last year, they also finished second in the National Adidas Streetball Finals and the Asian Streetball Finals, losing both titles to San Beda College. *CIT

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