Baycats open title defense vs Hawks

MANILA, Philippines - San Sebastian College-Cavite and University of Manila start their title showdown today with the Baycats out to defend the crown against the former champions in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) men’s basketball tournament at the Astrodome.

The Baycats subdued the Lyceum of Subic Bay side, 90-81, while five-time champion Hawks outsteadied former titlist the STI College Olympians, 72-68, to arrange the title clash.

“We’re very happy to be back in the finals and defend our title against UM,” said SSC-Cavite coach Edgar Macaraya, whose wards beat the Olympians for title last year.

The Hawks, on the other hand, remain confident of their chances.

“We’ll be ready against them (Baycats). The team is looking forward to winning its sixth title in nine years in the league,” said UM coach Jojo Castillo.

Junjun Gracilla scattered 23 points to lead two other players in double figures for the Baycats, who topped the elimination round with an 18-2 (win-loss) record.

Howard Pantonia added 18 points and Lyle Antipuesto contributed 16 points for the Baycats, who are seeking their second straight title.

Jessie James Collado paced the Sharks with 20 points, followed by Billy Labadan and Richard Velasco with 14 point each.

Equally impressive were the Hawks, who relied on rookie guard Jeff Alvin Viernes to slam the door on the Olympians.

Viernes, a 20-year-old recruit from Albano, Isabela almost singlehandedly carried the scoring load for the Hawks in the payoff period, scoring 18 of his 19 points.