MANILA, Philippines - University of Manila held off New Era, 70-67, to arrange a title showdown with AMA Computer University in the NAASCU juniors basketball tournament at the Pasay Sports Complex last Wednesday.
Mark Garcia and Jerry Ancheta fired 17 points apiece while Jeric Baylen added 10 points as the Hawklets reasserted their mastery over the Baby Hunters to remain on track of their bid for a sixth championship.
The UM Hawklets, coached by Roland Tumapat and managed by UM EVP Ernesto Ll. De los Santos, strung up five straight titles from 2002 in the 18-years-old-and-under tournament.
The Hawlets, who trounced the Baby Hunters, 91-79, in the first round, barely took the lead, 13-12, in the first two quarters but imposed their strength in the middle quarters which they took, 35-23 and 52-43 before thwarting the Baby Hunters’ repeated rallies in the fourth to prevail.
Jay Rancal paced New Era with 26 points.
The Hawklets and the AMACU Baby Titans dispute the crown today, also at the Pasay sports complex.
Meanwhile, the UM Hawks demolished the STI quintet, 72-58, in seniors play.