UM edges STI Colleges to win second straight NAASCU title

Jeff Alvin Viernes and Eugene Torres led University of Manila to a 69-66 win over STI Colleges to help the Hawks win their seventh championship in 11 years in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU). Viernes and Torres made the baskets that mattered most in the closing minutes to frustrate the Olympians and bag their second straight title Wednesday at the Makati Coliseum. Viernes, a 5-foot-9 guard from Isabela, scattered 24 points while the 6-foot-2 Torres added 20 markers for the Hawks. "The boys deserved to win the title again. They worked hard for it from the start," said UM coach Jojo Castillo. "After our opening-day loss to STI more than two months ago, the boys resolved to play better and retain our title," added Castillo. With two titles under his belt, Castillo is now three championships short of matching former UM coach Loreto "Ato" Tolentino's feat of winning five straight titles from 2001 to 2005. Viernes, who was named the season MVP and won the league's scoring title, and Torres, a member of the Mythical First Team, were primary responsible for the Hawks' smashing showing. Both players led UM's scoring attack that gave the Hawks a 68-62 lead with only one minute and 23 seconds left in the game. And although the Olympians managed to threaten anew at 68-66 with still 21 seconds left. Jayson Ibay split his sfree throws for the final tally. Jerald Bautista led the Olympians with 15 points while Maclean Sabellina and Cedric Ablaza added 12 and 10 markers each. — JVP, GMA News