Icons surge to sixth win, wrest solo lead

MANILA, Philippines - Informatics International Colleges made it six in a row by beating New Era University, 90-79, in the NAASCU men’s basketball tournament at the UM gym.

The Quezon City-based Icons, who are seeking their first major title under coach Jonathan Reyes, got 53 points from the troika of Mario Leonida, Mark Montuano and Mark Anthony Limpat to beat the Hunters and grab the solo lead wiith their sixth straight win in 12- team tournament sanctioned by the Samahang Basketbol ng Pilipinas (SBP).

Leonida finished with 21 poins, Montuano added 20 and Limpat contributed 12 for Informatics.

Jovito Quebec and Symon Santos carried the fight for the Hunters with 19 and 13 points, respectively. New Era dropped to 0-4.

Equally impressive were former champions STI Colleges, which routed University of Makati, 92-54, and AMA Computer University, which defeated Pamantasan ng Lungsod Pasay, 77-56. Veteran guard Mac Macabasco fired 15 points, while rookies Cedric Ablaza and Martin Antonio combined for 25 points for the Olympians of coach Vic Ycasiano.