Fatima clinches NAASCU jr crown

MANILA, Philippines - Our Lady of Fatima University repulsed Centro Escolar University, 76-73, to complete a two-game sweep of their best-of-three showdown for the NAASCU junior basketball crown at the Makati Coliseum over the weekend.

AJ Perea, Dhan Alberto and Harley Diego combined for the Young Phoenix, who thwarted the Baby Scorpions’ last-ditch stand to clinch the crown in the 10-team tournament organized by NAASCU, headed by Dr. Jy Adalem.

Perea and Alberto scored 12 points apiece while Diego contributed 10 points for the Valenzuela City-based squad.

Mark Jervin Parale led the Baby Scorpions with 22 points while Paolo Panchito added 15 points.

St. Clare College-Caloocan defeated last year’s champion University of Manila, 68-59, to clinch third place.

Mating Gil fired 22 points and Kenneth Macapulay added 15 points for the Baby Saints.

Pedito Galanza paced the Hawklets with 15 points.