MANILA, Philippines - St. Clare College of Caloocan ended its preseason campaign on a high note as it thwarted Mapua Institute of Technology, 85-81, in the Filoil Flying V Hanes Premier Cup at the Arena in San Juan yesterday.
Marte Gil had 17 points and seven rebounds for the Saints, who also drew 17 markers from Jason Ibay, 12 points from Raymond Jamito and 11 markers from Robin Dulalia.
Jan Acebron also came away with eight points, nine rebounds and seven steals for St. Clare.
The Saints dominated the Cardinals early, seizing a 21-10 lead and held on to a 40-27 bulge at the end of the second period.
They sustained their run at resumption of the contest and protect 74-57 lead on Dulalai’s back-to-back triples.
But the Cardinals roared back and outscored St. Clare, 24-10, behind Andrew Estrella and Exequil Biteng to threaten within, 81-84.
Dulalia, however, canned one of his two charities while Acebron came through with a steal in the ensuing possession to preserve the victory for the Saints.
St. Clare thus finished fifth in Group B with a 2-4 card while Mapua ended up with a 1-5 slate.
Estrella scored 29 points for Mapua, while Josan Nimes added 15 markers and Joseph Eriobu and Biteng combined for 25 points.