Saints edge Phoenix, gain NAASCU crown

MANILA, Philippines - St. Clare College-Caloocan pulled through in a thriller of a sudden death, nipping Our Lady of Fatima, 64-62, to claim the 2016 NAASCU men’s basketball crown before a big crowd at the Makati Coliseum yesterday.

The Saints clamped down on defense in the closing seconds then watched the Phoenix Joseph Marquez’ desperation heave from way out miss its target to clinch the victory and the championship, their second in five years.

As the final buzzer sounded, St. Clare coach Jinino Manansala stormed onto the court to join his players in celebration along with NAASCU chairman Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem of host St. Clare.

It was the second title for St. Clare, which also reigned in 2012. The Saints also finished second to Centro Escolar University for three straight years from 2013.

Paeng Rebugio and Aris Dionisio stood at the helm of St. Clare’s dramatic, come-from-behind triumph with 16 and 12 points, respectively.

Rebugio and Dionisio struck hardest during the Saints’ game-changing 12-3 run that turned a 50-54 deficit into 62-57 advantage.

They held sway from there.

Earlier, St. Clare outsteadied AMA University, 74-62, to bag the juniors crown and complete a double celebration for the Caloocan City-based school.