St. Clare bags second naascu crown

St. Clare clamped down on Fatima in the final seconds to preserve a 64-62 victory and capture the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball title yesterday at Makati Coliseum.

It was St. Clare’s first crown in four years after winning for the first time in 2012.

St. Clare coach Jinno Manansala slumped on the bench crying as the Saints stormed the court in jubilation.

“It was a very, very tough series but we showed that we wanted it more,” said Manansala, who was joined by his father, former pro Jimmy.

St. Clare won Game 1 (72-67) but Fatima tied the series, 64-45, Thursday.