UM nails No. 75; St. Clare, STI gain

University of Manila continued to pile up victories in its quest for cage immortality, swamping University of Makati, 76-65, for their second win — and 75th overall — to gain a share of the lead with St. Clare College (Caloocan) and STI College in the NAASCU men’s basketball tournament at the UM gym.

Sophomore Paul Santiago scattered 18 points to lead the Hawks of coach Ato Tolentino and manager Atty. Ernesto de los Santos to the victory, their 75th in row since the league’s inception in 2001.

Backing up Santiago were rookies Onofre Napiza and Allen Maliksi with 16 and 12 points, respectively.

James Mangaran and Glenn Banguibang paced the Wizards with 14 and 13 points, respectively.

St. Clare subdued AMA Computer University, 69-64, while STI nipped New Era University, 75-69, to join UM in the early lead in this tough, double-round tournament.

Chris Manalili, Romer Diaz and William Badley combined for 29 points for the Joel Dualan-mentored Saints.

Dan Vergara paced the Blue Titans with 18 markers.