Hawks outwit Wizards, retain NAASCU title

The University of Manila Hawks successfully defended their NAASCU basketball crown for the second straight year via a sweep yesterday, completing their masterful performance in the season with a 105-91 rout of the University of Makati Wizards at the Philsports Arena.

The Hawks remained unbeaten in the first three seasons of the fledgling varsity league, stretching their win streak to 41 games as they bolstered their reputation as one of the premier collegiate teams in the country.

Hotshots Louie Aquino and Ryan Regalado combined for 13 three-pointers and a total of 55 points to lead the Hawks to their three-peat conquest that assured the Sampaloc-based school another stint in the Champion’s League.

Asked about their target in the Champion’s League where they failed to make it past the first round last year, UM coach Loreto Tolentino said: "Hindi just to improve on our previous showing ang target namin doon. Kailangan naming manalo ng championship."

An ugly fracas at the gallery among the supporters of both teams marred the championship game with 5:46 left in the game but this didn’t stop the Hawks from adding the 2003 NAASCU crown to their bulging treasure chest, counting titles in the National Students Championship and in the Asian University Games.

St. Clare of Caloocan topped World Citi College, 88-78, for second runner-up honors.

Aquino was named the tournament MVP and led the Mythical Selection that included teammate Kelvin Gregorio, Makati’s Edwin Asoro, St. Clare’s Sean Orca and WCC’s Benjamin Tropa. Orca won the Rookie of the Year honors.

Aquino tossed in three treys while Regalado added two in a torrid third-quarter run that had the Hawks breaking loose from a 46-all count at halftime.

Early ouster on fouls by 6-foot-5 slotman Joseph Lingaolingao didn’t’ help the Wizards’ cause as they melted down in the second half.