Informatics-stops-UMs-Naascu-victory-streak

MANILA, Philippines—Mark Montuano scored an undergoal off his own offensive rebound in the closing seconds as Informatics stunned University of Manila, 88-86, Thursday and bolstered its semifinals chances in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities at the UM Gym.   Montuano, a 6-foot-3 power forward from Quezon City, flicked in the decider with 4.2 seconds left. The Hawks’ Eugene Torres attempted to bail his team out but his three-pointer went offline as time expired.   The Icons scored their 10th triumph against four losses. They need to win one more to make the Final Four outright.   The loss didn’t hurt UM much. The Hawks are already assured of a semis berth after a riding on a 9-game winning streak. The Hawks could very well take the No. 1 spot which comes with twice-to-beat incentive with another victory.   But it was more of a statement for Informatics especially because it also downed another outright semifinalist in STI, 65-64, last Tuesday.   UM, which suffered only its second defeat in the season, was leading most of the way until complacency got the better of it, allowing Informatics to outgun UM in the payoff period, 29-13.