However, the Hawks were in danger of losing a semifinal seat in the annual event as AUF placed the game under protest, complaining of technical violation by UM. Members of the technical committee, headed by tournament director Boy Reglo, were deliberating at press time.
If the committee rejects AUF’s protest, UM will meet the winner of the University of Perpetual Help of Rizal-Enverga University tussle in the Final Four.
The Hawks advanced to the quarters by topping their group in the eliminations. The three-time NAASCU champions capped their blazing elims run with a 99-79 rout of the University of Mindanao Wildcats Wednesday night.
Versus the AUF Great Danes, the Hawks’ attack were led by Louie Aquino and Jovit Gomez who fired 31 and 30 points, respectively. Ronnie Matias added 21.
Earlier, NCR champion Philippine Maritime Institute downed University of Mindanao, 92-78, to advance to the semifinal round against the winner of the University of Baguio-Southern City College game which was being played at press time.
In the juniors division semifinals today, it will be defending champion San Beda against Philippine Christian University at 8 a.m. then Philippine College of Criminology versus La Salle Greenhills at 9:30 a.m.
San Beda bundled out Joseph Morello Institute, 112-61, La Salle whipped Ateneo de Davao, 71-61, PCU clipped Benedictine International School, 85-78, and PCCr topped Maryhill in the quarterfinals.
In the women’s division, Philippine Maritime Institute stopped Lyceum, 53-45, to draw level with Ateneo at 2-1. The Lady Pirates suffered their first defeat in four outings.