UNIVERSITY of Baguio bucked University of Northern Philippines, 92-77, as it kept its hope alive for possible stint in the zonal eliminations of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

The event was held at the CCDC gymnasium Thursday afternoon.

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UB, who earlier lost to Lyceum of Subic Bay in the other north/central regional eliminations of the tournament, proved to be a tough nut to crack.

Klayrhil Elefante was his usual self, leading the Cardinals against the Sharks unleashing four triples on his 21 points, where UB led all the way after a rousing 14-2 advantage with 5:02 remaining in the first quarter.

From then on, the Baguio - Benguet Educational Athletic League men's basketball champion never looked back as it even posted an eleven-point advantage way back in 8:29 remaining the second quarter.

But the visiting Sharks slowly clawed their way back into the ball game after a 14-6 blast staring at the Cardinals lead by three, 37-34 with 1:58 remaining in the first half.

The Cardinals then went on to a 10-4 blasts to pull away anew, 47 - 38, at the end of the second period.

UNP was unable to find answers to the Cardinals offense with the home team erupting for another 10-0 blitz to finally seize control of the ball game and enjoy a 57-38 with 8:07 remaining in the third period.

An almost free for all almost erupted with 1:07 left in the third quarter after UB's Billy Boado and a UNP Sharks player got entangled inside the shaded lane but cooler heads prevailed to avoid any melee.

Boado and Darwin Balmores chipped in 15 and 11 points, respectively, for the Cardinals who are gunning for a possible stint in the zonal eliminations of the PCCL next month.

UB's loss to Lyceum of Subic Bay is currently under protest after the latter reportedly fielded a player who is not part of the original line up during the Central Luzon Athletic Association.

A source from the PCCL who refused to be named said they are looking for the credentials of the two players who were fielded by Lyceum during their games in Dagupan City.

The source added once they can present their evidence to PCCL and prove their allegations, UB will automatically represent North/Central Luzon in the zonal eliminations of the collegiate league.