Naascu step-ladder: Fatima five downs RTU

Fatima College clobbered Rizal Technological University, 81-70, to advance against second-ranked St. Clare in the step-ladder semifinals of the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball tournament.

Greinger Ignacio was front and center of the Phoenix offensive, accounting for 13 points and 14 rebounds, as Fatima led from the opening buzzer.

Fatima faces defending champion St. Clare at 10 a.m. tomorrow at the same venue with the Saints holding a twice-to-beat advantage. If the Phoenix prevail, they clash with the Saints again on Friday.

Unbeaten Centro Escolar is waiting in the best-of-three finals after sweeping its 11-game schedule in the elimination round.

Joseph Marquez hit three of his seven attempts from three-point range to topscore for Fatima with 14 points with Jimmy James Mallari adding 13 like Ignacio.

The scores:

FATIMA 81—Marquez 14, JJ Mallari 13, Ignacio 13, Gallardo 11, Banaria 9, Jornacion 7, Pineda 5, Jimenez 4, JR Mallari 3, Rosales 2, Cabrera 0, Flores 0, Cruz 0, Datu 0.

RTU 70—Quiro 21, Cenal 17, Romano 15, Montecillo 9, Sarona 3, Mayuyo 3, Mariano 2, Bangeles 0, Dela Pena 0, Santos 0, Brilea 0, Lagman 0, Bear 0, De Jesus 0, Mendoza 0.

Quarters: 21-15, 38-21, 60-43, 81-70