Saints vow to score NAASCU repeat

MANILA, Philippines – Barely regaining the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) crown, St. Clare College is already focusing on a back-to-back title drive next season.

With only two players graduating from the current roster that beat Fatima University for this year’s crown, the Saints are capable of repeating the feat next year, according to head coach Jino Manansala.

“We don’t want to think that this (win) was a stroke of luck,” said Manansala, who was with assistant Tonton Sangco, star player Aris Dionisio, and St. Clare College top official Dr. Jay Adalem during yesterday’s PSA Forum at Shakey’s Malate.

“We’ll be losing two players (to graduation) but a couple of talented players will be coming in. We’ve been working hard for this so we hope to keep on winning,” he added.

The Saints edged out the Phoenix in Game Three of the finals last week, 64-62, to reclaim the crown the school last won in 2012, also under Manansala.

It was the fifth straight finals appearance for the Saints, but the toughest so far.

“This was the toughest. A lot of unexpected things happened,” said Manansala, who was thrown out in Game 3 of the Saints’ semis duel with Lyceum of Subic Bay, and reeled from a 64-45 rout at the hands of Fatima in Game Two of the finals.

But with Dionisio at the helm, the Saints pulled through, ending three straight bridesmaid finishes in the league.

Adjudged as the tournament Most Valuable Player, the 21-year-old Dionisio, a Business Administration student, vows to help the team win a second straight championship during the forum presented by San Miguel Corp., Accel, Shakey’s, and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.

Meanwhile, Adalem also cited the difference the live coverage of the tournament had made for the league. Games were aired by TV coveror BTV.

“It was essential for us to have a TV coverage. Financially, it’s hard on the league, but it was definitely the best NAASCU ever because we’re able to showcase the talent of the league,” said Adalem.

“BTV is definitely a big break for NAASCU,” he added.