Hawklets, Baby Titans reach NAASCU semifinals

MANILA, Philippines - University of Manila and AMA Computer University beat their respective rivals to reach the semifinal round of the ninth NAASCU (National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities) juniors basketball tournament at the Pasay Sports Complex recently.

The Hawklets crushed the Our Lady of Fatima cagers, 68-58, while the Baby Titans downed the New Era quintet, 100-91, to annex their sixth straight victories heading into the semis.

Mark Vincent Garcia scored 24 points while Sherwìn Castro added 13 poìnts for the Hawklets, who are hopìng to regain lost glory in the junìor division.

The Hawklets have captured five straight NAASCU junior division titles.

Joseph Marquez led Fatima with 17 points.

The Baby Titans relied on Raymark Matias, Jerome Laurel and Mac Manuel to beat the Baby Hunters.

Matias topscored with 24 points, Laurel added 23 and Manuel had 17 points for AMACU of coach Johnny Cutaran.

Jan Torregoza led NEU with 19 points, followed by Leo Roncal with 18 points.

Meanwhile, defending titlist San Sebastian College-Cavite and five-time champion Univ. of Manila stayed on collision course for the seniors crown as they crushed their respective rivals.

The Hawks trounced Informatics International Colleges, 87-67, while the Baycats blasted AMA Computer Univ., 78-58, to keep their 1-2 positions.

Jhun Gracilla fired18 points for the Baycats, who hiked their record to 15-1 (win-loss) while the Hawks drew big games from rookies John Matubang and Alvin Viernes to clinch their 14th win against two losses.