Baycats, Olympians, Icons stay at helm

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion San Sebastian College-Cavite, STI Colleges and Informatics International College fashioned out impressive victories over their respective rivals to register their third straight win in the ninth NAASCU men’s basketball tournament at the CEU gym in Mendiola, Manila.

The Baycats humbled New Era University, 95-69, the Olympians subdued AMA Computer University, 80-70, and the Icons downed University of Makati, 103-96, to keep a share of the lead in this 12-team tournament organized by National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU), headed by Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem.

Lito Escobal and Jhun Gracilla fired 17 points apiece for the Cavite City-based squad. Last year’s Most Valuable Player Kris Lucernas contributed 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Elmer Acuna and John Rey Villarosa scored 12 points each for the Hunters, who suffered their third straight loss.

The Olympians got a big lift from their three rookies in Martin Antonio, Jerald Bautista and Cedric Ablaza to beat the Titans.

Antonio, a 6-5 former mainstay of San Beda Red Lions, finished with 17 points and 13 rebounds for the Vic Ycasiano-mentored Olympians.

Dennis Maravilla and Sander Salvador paced the Titans with 18 points apiece.

The Icons, who are now on their second year in the league, got a combined 50 points from Oliver Stefan Santos, Mario Leonida, Mark Montuano and Juan Manuel Magat to register their third straight win.

Santos topscored with 18 points, followed by Leonida and Montuano with 11 points each and Magat with 10 points.

Santos Moresco and Dennis Junsay carried the fight for the Hardy Herons with 27 points apiece.

FIBA commissioner Boy Cahanding is the tournament commissioner.