Hawks, Phoenix rebound, share lead

MANILA, Philippines - University of Manila trounced former champion STI, 75-65, and Our Lady of Fatima U walloped Lyceum-Subic Bay, 80-59, yesterday to grab joint first in the 10th NAASCU men’s basketball competition at the UM Gym.

The Jojo Castillo-coached Hawks and the Rensy Bajar-mentored Phoenix thus bounced back from losses suffered at the hands of New Era U, 102-109, in double overtime and STI, 73-74, respectively, last week that’s stymied their bid.

Rookie Rhandelle Colina poured in 16 points while Jeff Alvin Viernes, JR Tan, Jayson Ibay and Jay-Ar Manuel chipped in 13, 13, 11 and 10 points, respectively, to improve to a 5-1 (win-loss) slate.

Boy Cahanding and Benjie Diswe are the tournament commissioner and director.

Romy Joronacion, for his part, paced the Valenzuela-based school’s with 21 points while James Jacinto and Anthony Benavidez scattered 16 and 12 points, respectively.

In other matches, Centro Escolar U tripped New Era U, 99-87, and Informatics International Colleges overpowered University of Makati, 117-72.

Axl Garcia exploded with 31 points as he powered the Scorpions to their fourth win against two setbacks.

Chino Almario and Reynel Cabasal added 16 and 13 points for CEU, which is being mentored by assistant coach Noli Mejos in the absence of head coach Mon Jose, who is coaching the RP three-on-three basketball team currently competing in the 2010 Youth Olympic Games in Singapore.