St. Clare inched closer to a finals berth after downing Lyceum of Subic Bay, 80-70, Thursday in the National Athletics Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities at Makati Coliseum.
Paeng Rebugio bolstered the Saints, who will try to formally make the final with another win in Game 2 on Monday.
Rebugio scored 20 points aside from six rebounds and three assists and was ably assisted by Nigerian Steve Fongue, who added 13 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and two assists.
Ronjay Santos also contributed 10 points and six rebounds for St. Clare, which last won the title in 2012.
St. Clare coach Jinno Manansala credited the team’s hunger in their forceful win, leading by as many as 14 points, 70-56, to dictate the pace of the match.
Earl Lumbao scored 15 for the Sharks, who also got double-double performance from Fabrice Djilla, who made 14 points and 14 rebounds.