ST. CLARE thrashed erstwhile unbeaten Fatima, 71-54, yesterday to emerge solo leader in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball at Rizal Technological University Gym.
Power forward Aristotle Dionisio starred anew for the Saints with 18 points, grabbing 17 rebounds and blocking three shots. Paul Roley Santos added 14 points.
“We have a defensive-minded team now,” said St. Clare coach Jinno Manansala, whose wards notched a fourth straight victory.
AJ Perea led Fatima with 13 points and seven rebounds but St. Clare clamped down on Phoenix’s usually reliable Martin Gozum who could only score one point.
Guard Rafael Rebuelo also had an inspired performance, making eight points aside from issuing four of St. Clare’s 17 assists.