St. Clare guns for first Naascu title

ST. CLARE guns for its first ever title when it collides with Centro Escolar today in Game 2 of their National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball title playoffs at Makati Coliseum.

The Saints, who won Game 1 last Thursday, 82-77, will lean on their powerful lineup and their big desire to finally make it to the champion’s roster in the 11 a.m. match.

“We have one foot inside the championship door but it’s not over until we get one more win,’’ said St. Clare coach Jinno Manansala. “We still have to work very hard and prepare for the game because I’m very sure they will make some adjustments for Game 2.’’

The Scorpions, who are also in their first title series appearance, were in the thick of the fight in Game 1 until the final period with strong performance from Axel Garcia and Ryan Beldad.

CEU held St. Clare’s gunners Jeff Viernes and Eugene Torres at bay with a solid defense, but Saints managed to pull through behind unheralded wingmen Mark Robin Dulalia and Dennis Santos.

“I give my respect to my teammates they were really a revelation,’’ said Viernes, who nevertheless scored 38 points, including six straight to ignite an early fourth quarter rally that put the Saints ahead for good.

Viernes is hoping to close his collegiate career on a bright note before embarking on a PBA D-League career with Torres.

CEU is coached by former amateur stalwart Egay Macaraya who steered San Sebastian-Cavite to back-to-back titles in the league.

But Manansala, son of former PBA star Jimmy Manansala, is no stranger to a title series as he mentored University of Manila to championship last year. Both SSC-Cavite and UM are on indefinite leave from the league.