CEU keeps Naascu title over St. Clare

CENTRO Escolar displayed hustle and composure to repulse St. Clare, 81-77, in overtime last night and capture its second straight National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball title at Makati Coliseum.

The Scorpions leaned on Joseph Sedurifa and Samboy de Leon who delivered the telling baskets in the extra period to frustrate the Saints, who took Game 1 of the best-of-three title series but dropped the next two in a replay of last year’s championship showdown.

Regulation ended at 66-66 on a putback by St. Clare’s Jammer Jamito at the final buzzer.

CEU coach Egay Macaraya, wisely shuffling his talent-laden lineup,  celebrated the victory with still eight seconds left in overtime when St. Clare coach Jino Manansala decided it was all over and came over to shake his hands with CEU up at 81-74.

St. Clare’s Marte Gil fired a three-pointer, his fifth of the game, to finish the scoring as CEU whooped it up.

Like last year, CEU swept the eliminations only to lose Game 1 of the title series.

For most of the game last night, it looked like St. Clare was bent on changing the script.

The Saints got off to a strong start and went on top by as many as 14 points at 41-27 on a three-pointer by Gil early in the third period.
But CEU stayed within striking distance before mounting a 15-2 assault at the start of the payoff period to seize the lead, 57-53.

Sedurifa finished with 21 points, while Alfred Batino added 14. De Leon wound up with 12 while Abundo and Rodrigue Ebondo hit 10 points each. Ebondo, who provided muscle for CEU underneath and created mismatches in the paint, also hauled down 10 rebounds on top of three steals, two assists and two blocks.

Gil led St. Clare with 20 points, while Jonathan Ibarra and Managuelod finished with 15  each.

The scores
CEU 81—Sedurifa 21, Batino 14, De Leon 12, Ebondo 10, Abundo 10, Jeruta 6, Casino 4, Celso 2, Opiso 2, Silverie 0, Banua 0.
ST. CLARE 77—Gil 20, Ibarra 15, Managuelod 15, Acebron 10, Jamito 9, Ibay 5, Redoh 2, Ambulodto 1, Mendoza 0.
Quarters: 14-23, 27-39, 42-51, 66-66, 81-77