8 hours ago
ST Clare coach Jinno Manansala (in white) flanked by dad Jimmy and Fongue. Photo by Marc Reyes
St. Clare outlasted a hard-fighting Fatima, 64-62, to capture the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities men’s basketball title Friday at Makati Coliseum.
The Saints managed to stop the Phoenix’s last-ditch stand to preserve the victory in Game 3 of the title series.
It was St. Clare’s first crown in four years after winning it for the first time in 2012.
Paeng Rebugio topscored with 16 points, while Aris Dionisio and Jordan Rios helped up with 12 and 10 points, respectively for the Saints.
The Phoenix were in control mostly in the first two quarters until the Saints decided to put up a fight, sparking 9-0 run late in the second period.
St. Clare won Game 1 (72-67) before Fatima extended the series with a 64-45 victory in Game 2 last Thursday.