Games this Wednesday (Lyceum Gym, Manila)
9 a.m. — Lyceum-Subic vs UM
10:30 a.m. — Lyceum-Manila vs PCU-Dasma
(La Consolacion Gym, Manila)
2 p.m. — CCP vs Mapua
4 p.m. — UC vs La Consolacion

Lyceum-Manila and University of Manila thrashed separate opponents on Tuesday at the start of the North Luzon-Metro Manila zonal phase of the 2009 Philippine Collegiate Championship at the Lyceum gym in Intramuros.

The Pirates relied on the scoring exploits of Rich Guevarra and Joseph Abaya in beating sister school Lyceum of Subic Bay, 100-79, while Jhunrie Patricio and Jeff Alvin Viernes powered the Hawks to an 88-62 rout of PCU-Dasmariñas.

Both teams gained a headstart in their quest to reach the Sweet 16 as the top team of this group will enter the main tournament set for Nov. 23.

The other Luzon-Metro Manila zonal phase is being played as of presstime at the La Consolacion gym in Mendiola with four teams participating -- NCAA sixth-placer Mapua, UCAA champion Universal College, Central College of the Philippines and La Consolacion.

Guevarra topscored for the Interscholastic Athletic Association (ISAA) champion Pirates with 23 points while Abaya exploded in the first three quarters to finish with 22 markers.

Aaron Pellico led the way with 26 points for the Sharks, who earned a berth in the qualifiers by winning the Northern Luzon leg last month. They also placed third overall during the 9th NAASCU season.

Meanwhile, Patricio tallied 20 points while Viernes added 18 as the Hawks, who placed second in the NAASCU tilt, dominated the NCAA-South runner-up Dolphins. They were aided by 15 and 13 points, respectively, from Ryeon delos Trinos and Kevin Ravalo.

Arnel Barrientos led PCU-Dasmariñas in a losing cause with 19 markers. (With reports from Tempo)

The scores:
First Game
UM 88 — Patricio 20, Viernes 18, Delos Trinos 15, Ravalo 13, Manuel 8, Nariza 6, Tamayo 3, Sanguyo 2, Garcia 2, Macasaet 1.
PCU-DASMARIÑAS 62 — Barrientos 19, Graham 14, J. Oxciano 9, Magdaong 7, C. Oxciano 6, Bartolome 4, Angan-Angan 2, Timoteo 2, Augusto 2.
Quarters: 28-15, 43-22, 62-40, 88-62.

Second Game:
LYCEUM-MANILA 100 — Guevarra 23, Abaya 22, Mendoza 10, Anacta 7, Difuntorum 6, Cayabyab 6, Francisco 6, Lacap 6, Ong 6, Lazo 4, de Guzman 2, Doilgon 2.
LYCEUM-SUBIC — Pellico 2, Collado 15, Velasco 10, Labadan 10, Carey 7, Ellano 3, Postrado 2, Valencia 2, Espinelli 2, Ignacio 2, Baydo 0, Bilog 0.
Quarters: 31-22, 53-35, 79-51, 100-79.