No surprises in Champs League MM, Luzon zonal

MANILA—With top group rival University of the East watching from the bleachers, the reigning Naascu champions University of Manila Hawks felt they had to make a strong statement.

The Hawks did, using a stifling defense and hot shooting in the stretch to down Perpetual Help-Laguna Saints, 65-53, yesterday at the start of the Luzon-Metro Manila zonal tournament of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League at the Arellano Gym in Manila.

“We know they’re watching, and we want them to know we will be prepared for them,” said UM coach Felix Castillo.

With the UE Warriors expected to cruise past the Saints today, the UE-UM showdown on Friday looms as a virtual knockout match for a spot in the Sweet 16 finals of the tournament sponsored by Smart and PLDT.

Lyceum also moved within a victory of making the national finals by crushing South Luzon-Bicol champion Computer Communication Development Institute, 93-55.

The Pirates, who ruled the Interscholastic Athletic Association, still need to beat NCAA fifth placer Arellano on Friday to advance to the Sweet 16. The Chiefs play CCDI today.

St. Francis of Assisi, led by Raymund Ilagan’s 23 points, trounced Northern Luzon titlist University of Baguio, 72-63.

But the Doves’ Sweet 16 hopes will likely rest on the result of their duel with Letran, which opens its campaign against UB today.

UCAA champion Colegio de Sta. Monica posted the day’s most lopsided win as the Cougars scuttled San Beda-Alabang, 93-44.

Twelve teams are seeing action in the zonal tournament with the topnotcher from each of the four three-team groups clinching berths in the Sweet 16 national championship.