3 NCR fives, Doves near Sweet 16

MANILA, Philippines - Three Metro Manila champions scored expected victories while a regional champion stunned its opening day opponent as they opened their Sweet 16 bids on a high note in the 2010 Philippine Collegiate Champions League Luzon-Metro Manila Zonals at the Arellano gym in Legarda Wednesday.

ISAA champion Lyceum of the Philippines, NAASCU champion University of Manila, and UCAA champion Sta. Monica all registered double-digit victories, while St. Francis, from the regional UCLAA, stunned North-Central Luzon regional champion University of Baguio, 72-63, in the opening game.

The Lyceum Pirates leaned on Chris Cayabyab’s 20 points to dump Computer Communications Development Institute, 93-55, in the second game.

Eugene Torres and Alvin Viernes combined for 31 points as the University of Manila Hawks trounced University of Perpetual Help Laguna, 65-53, in the third game.

The Sta. Monica Cougars closed the day with a 93-44 rout of San Beda College-Alabang, behind Vincent Medrana’s 20 points.

The Pirates, Hawks, Cougars and the St. Francis Doves are a win away from clinching spots in the Sweet 16, but will still have to face tough competition against UAAP and NCAA teams Arellano University, University of the East, and Letran, respectively, in their group.