In-form Hawks edge Olympians

MANILA, Philippines - Five-time champion University of Manila brought down former titlist STI Colleges, 79-76, in overtime in what could be a preview of this year’s title showdown in the 10th NAASCU men’s basketball tournament at the UM gym in Sampaloc, Manila recently.

Last year’s top rookie Jeff Alvin Viernes and Eugene Torres scored clutch baskets for the Hawks, who are seeking to make it to the finals for the second straight time after losing to San Sebastian College-Cavite last year.

Already assured of a twice-to-beat advantage in the Final Four, the Hawks still played true to form and outscored the Olympians, 16-13, in the extra period en route to their 15th win in 17 games.

Viernes finished with 17 points, including seven of the Hawks’ 16 points in overtime, while Torres added 11 points, including four in the extra period.

Rhandelle Colina topscored with 27 points for the Hawks.

The Olympians dropped to 14-3.

Rama Morales carried the fight for STI with 20 points, followed by Hessed Gabo with 16, Cedric Ablaza with 13 and Henri Betayene with 10.

Centro Escolar University downed AMA Computer University, 93-88, also in overtime to firm up its bid for the Final Four with a 12-5 record.

Leymund Babad fired 14 points for the Scorpions.

In the junior division, UM completed a twinkill as the Hawklets stopped St. Clare College-Caloocan, 84-79, also in overtime.

Michael Eneria sizzled with a game-high 28 points, while Jeric Baylen added 14 points and Pedrito Galanza contributed 13 points for Hawklets, who improved to 8-6.

Kenneth Macapulay finished with 25 points for St. Clare, which dropped to 8-5.

Our Lady of Fatima University defeated CEU, 78-68.