Titans score crucial triumphs

MANILA, Philippines - AMA Computer University completed a double celebration by winning both matches in the men’s and junior divisions in the 10th NAASCU basketball tournament at the STI gym in Bonifacio Global City.

The Titans slammed the door on Lyceum of Subic Bay, 86-76, to clinch the seventh spot in the eight-team, second round of the men’s competition, while the young Titans outplayed University of Makati, 88-61, to grab the sixth and last spot in the junior division of this annual tournament supported by Grand Sports and Vega Balls.

Former UST reserve Mark Mangalindan finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Jhune Golosinda-mentored Titans.

Jonathan Ibarra added 16 points and Raymund Alvarado contributed 13 points for AMA, which is seeking to win another title with the all-out support of school officials, headed by sports director Larry Baltazar.

Jommel Bilog carried the fight for the Sharks with 17 points, followed by Mark Manalili with 14, Dhon Ronquillo with 13 and Billy Ray Labadan with 12.

It was the first time that the Sharks of coach Kerwin McCoy failled to advanced to the second round since joining the league in 2008.

The Young Titans of coach Bong Pascual leaned on Jefferson Arceo’s game-high 28 points to beat the Baby Herons and advance to the second round. Jino Santos and John Conception added 14 and 12 points, respectively

JR Bonatapia, Jonatahn Lontoc and Kent Tabora combined for 39 points for the Baby Herons, who bowed out of contention with 1-8 mark.

In the other men’s matched, STI Colleges crushed Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Pasay, 92-44, and Informatics International Colleges subdued defending champion San Sebastian College-Cavite, 67-57.

Hassed Gabo topscored with 12 points for the Olympians of coach Vic Ycasiano. Bryan Daguplo and Lester Bocablo added 10 points apiece.

STI closed out its elimination round campaign with 9-2 win-loss card behind league leader University of Manila.

Czarell Tuano and Erwin Del Villar finished with 13 and 12 points for the Young Eagles.

The Icons, who are being handled by Jonathan Reyes, relied on Jan Baltazar, Mark Montuano and Mario Leonida to pull the rug fom under the Baycats, and improve their record to 7-4 in a tie with idle Our Lady of Fatima University.

Baltazar, a 6-0 guard, scored 15 points while Montuano, a 6-3 power forward, added 14 points.

In the other junior game, Informatics edged STI Colleges,57-55, for its sixth win in nine outings for solo third behind CEU and Fatima going into the second round carry-over quarterfinals.

Igmidio Cahanding is the tournament commissioner while Benjie Diswe is the tournament director.