Hawks claw way past Olympians, near crown

MANILA, Philippines - University of Manila overcame a listless start with a huge second half run as it turned back a pesky STI, 78-73, yesterday to inch closer to topping the 10th National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities at the Makati Coliseum.

Rhandelle Colina, a six-foot rookie from Davao, fired 28 points to power the Hawks to a 1-0 lead in their best-of-three showdown.

Eugene Torres, another neophyte from Davao, and Jay Ar Manuel, a 6-4 sophomore from Aklan, provided the needed help by scattering 19 and 12 points, respectively.

The Hawks go for the clincher tomorrow also at the Makati Coliseum while the Olympians eye a win for deciding Game Three scheduled at the same venue.

In juniors’ action, Our Lady of Fatima U edged Centro-Escolar U, 59-58, to likewise close in on the crown.