Icons win shy of NAASCU semis

MANILA, Philippines – Informatics turned back a stubborn AMA Computer U side, 73-64, yesterday to close in on a semifinal spot in the 10th National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities basketball tournament at the University of Manila Gym.

Jan Baltazar, a 6-3 rookie from Rizal province, led all scorers with 24 points while Mario Leonida, a sophomore guard from General Santos City, scattered 14 to help power the Icons to their 12th win against five losses.

One more win would seal Informatics a place in the semis alongside early entrants UM (15-2) and STI (13-4).

San Sebastian-Cavite, for its part, trounced New Era U, 66-57, to hike its total to 8-9 (win-loss).

June Nistal paced the Baycats with 17 points while Raymond Alcasabas uncorked 16 to help seal it.