St. Clare joins 3-way tie for Naascu lead

ST. CLARE scored its second straight win to join a three-way tie for the lead even as STI bounced back Friday night in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (Naascu) men’s basketball tournament at STI Gym in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

The Saints once again relied on former University of Manila big guns Jeff Viernes and Eugene Torres to down the New Era University Hunters, 66-55, and match the 2-0 slates of AMA Computer and Centro Escolar University.

AMA Computer coasted to a 91-80 win over City University of Pasay while CEU drubbed Fatima, 75-61.

Viernes and Torres combined for 31 points as St. Clare sent New Era in a tie with last year’s runner-up STI at 1-1 following a 93-64 thrashing of Trace College of Laguna.

Cedric Ablaza scored 18 points, while McLean Sabellina and Lester Bocablo fired 12 points each for the Olympians.

STI coach Vic Ycasiano said the team is slowly getting its rhythm and should get better as the eliminations wear on.

Jefferson Arceo drilled in 23 points to lead the Titans. The Eagles slipped to 0-2.

The Scores:

ST. CLARE 66—Viernes 16, E. Torres 15, Lunor 12, Gil 7, Diswe 6,Mercado 6, Santos 4, Jamito 2, P. Torres 2, Amboludto 0, Baylen 0,Barranco 0, Dulalai 0.

NEW ERA 55—Roncal  14, Hereradura 10, Bebit 9, Sarmiento 6, Cabacingan  4, Reynoso 4, Faner 3, Talastas 2, Sevilla 2, Artienda 0,Santos 0.

Quarters: 21-9, 32-22, 48-41, 66-55