Baby Phoenix win, climb to Naascu lead

MANILA—Reigning titlist Our Lady of Fatima University crushed New Era University, 108-53, yesterday for a second straight win in the 11th Naascu juniors basketball tournament at the University of Manila Gym.

The Baby Phoenix, handled by former RP youth standout Ralph Emerson Rivera, drew firepower from Bernabe Teodoro, Terrence Matigas, Jordan Gaddy and Jerome Juanico as they matched their impressive 98-62 opening win over Trace College.

They hardly missed last year’s MVP awardee AJ Perea as Teodoro and Matigas shot 12 points each and Gaddy and Juanico added 11 apiece.

Alvin Guinto carried the fight for New Era with nine points.

St. Clare College-Caloocan later debuted in style, overwhelming newcomer Trace College, 90-69.

The Junior Saints pinned a second straight loss on the Baby Stallions with four players combining for 56 points, led by Reynaldo Demesa and Norman Mendoza who fired 20 and 18 points, respectively.

Last year’s losing finalist Centro Escolar University trounced STI College, 75-66.

The scores
First Game
FATIMA 108—Teodoro 12, Matigas 12, Gaddy 11,Juanico 11,Cabrera 10, Lasqusty 9 Mocon 8, Dela Paz 8,Estudillo 7, Del Rosario 6, Mendoza 5,Montanez 2, Intal 0.
NEW ERA 53—Guinto 9, Janrique 6, Camillo 6,Francisco 6, Plaez 6, Campa 5,Marigondon 4,Cabacungan 4, Silva 3, Mercado 3, Gutierez 2.
Quarters: 25-16, 57-23, 92-33, 108-53
Second Game
ST. CLARE 90—Demesa 20, Mercado 18, Libunao 17, Bitoon 11, Cabanilla 6, Calma 6, Tamayo 4, Villar 2, Andaya 2, Martun 2, Tugay 2, Carro 0, Quisquino 0.
TRACE 69—Andal 23, Prado 12, Apacionado 12, Sanido 10,Reano 7, Herradura 4, Valencia 0, Macaraig 0,Antonoi 0, Quiro 0.
Quarters: 20-12, 48-22, 69-46, 90-69