STI stuns reigning titlist UM in NAASCU opening

STI College rode on veteran Maclean Sabellina's game-long brilliance in hacking out a 90-72 triumph against reigning titlist University of Manila in Friday's opening of the 11th National Athletic Association of Schools and Universities (NAASCU) basketball championships at the Makati Coliseum. Sabellina, who used his 6-foot-5 frame to impose his will inside the paint, finished with 23 points and 12 rebounds for the Vic Ycasiano-coached Olympians, last year's losing finalists to the UM Hawks. Jasper Melano and Lester Bocablo provided scoring support for STI with 12 and 11 markers. Jeff Alvin Viernes paced for UM with 15 points while Season 10 Most Valuable Player (MVP) Eugene Torres scored 14. Jay-Ar Manuel also finished with 14 markers. The Hawks, who are seeking an unprecedented seventh title under former coach Loreto "Ato" Tolentino, played minus 6-foot-5 center Edwin Tamayo and last year's scoring champion Randelle Colina. Jojo Castillo is the new UM coach. - JVP, GMA News