NAASCU: Hawks a victory away

Defending champion University of Manila survived a gallant stand by New Era University to escape with a 69-64 win and move within a win of completing a rare 16-game sweep in the 2004 National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) men’s basketball tournament at the New Era gym in Quezon City.

The Hawks went to veteran Jovit Gomez in a pivotal stretch in the fourth period to escape with a hard-earned win over the surprisingly tough Hunters.

Gomez scattered a game-high 30 points, including eight in the Hawks’ closing 10-2 blast in the final two and a half minutes that turned the game around.

Ryan Regalado also played a key role for the Hawks with 14 points.

A win over St. Clare College in their final assignment will enable the Hawks to complete a sweep of the double-round eliminations in this tournament also supported by the Journal Group of Publications.

Overall, the win was the 68th in a row for the Hawks of coach Loreto Tolentino and Atty. Ernesto de los Santos since the league’s inception in 2001.

"One more win. Pipilitin na naming makuha ito sa susunod na laro," said Tolentino, who has piloted the Hawks to three national inter-collegiate titles.

In the women’s division, Centro Escolar University whipped St. Clare College, 91-36.