St. Clare kicks off NAASCU bid with win over AMA

NAASCU Opener at Cuneta Astrodome.

Sophomore slotman Aristotle Dionisio led St. Clare to an 82-67 victory over AMA and jumpstart its bid in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities which unveiled its 16th season Thursday at Cuneta Astrodome.

The 6-foot-4 Dionisio, coming in as substitute for Nigerian freshman Steve Fongue, made good use of the minutes given him by coach Jinno Manansala to lead the Saints who last won the title in 2012.

Dionisio, who fired 12 of his game-high 19 points in the first half, also grabbed 16 rebounds and made two assists in helping the Saints.

St. Clare president and Naascu chief Ernest Jay Adalem led the opening ceremonies where he exhorted students from all 14 member schools to support their alma maters.