St. Clare College cemented its dominance in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities (NAASCU) Season 22 Men’s Basketball Tournament, claiming a gritty 62-54 victory over Our Lady of Fatima University in the decisive Game 3 of the Finals on Wednesday at the Novadeci Convention Center in Novaliches, Quezon City.
This is St. Clare College’s seventh consecutive title, and eighth overall since 2012.
The Saints, led by Finals MVP Ahron Estacio and Rookie of the Year JB Lim, emerged victorious before a packed crowd.
Estacio and Megan Galang scored 14 points each, while Senegalese center Babacar Ndong imposed his presence with a game-high 14 rebounds, outdueling Fatima’s Mamadou Toure.
After dropping the series opener 80-72, St. Clare fought back with a thrilling 56-55 win in Game 2 to force the decider.
Their Game 3 triumph etched another chapter in the program’s storied history.
“Masarap manalo pero ang makuha yung pang-pito? Hindi ako makapaniwala,” said St. Clare coach Jinino Manansala, who was named Coach of the Year. “Maraming salamat po sa lahat ng nagdasal para sa amin.”
Manansala celebrated a personal milestone as well, securing his eighth NAASCU crown – surpassing the late Ato Tolentino of UM as the winningest coach in league history.
In the finale, Estacio contributed across the board with 14 points, five rebounds, and four assists in 27 minutes.
Galang was lethal from beyond the arc, hitting 4-of-8 three-pointers.
Ndong added eight points, 14 rebounds, and five assists, while Ryan Sual chipped in nine points and four steals.
UST Tiger Cub JB Lim showcased his all-around play with seven points, six assists, and five rebounds.
Fatima’s valiant effort was led by Mamadou Toure, who finished with 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks.
Charles Tecson added 13 points, but it wasn’t enough to deny St. Clare their historic achievement.
The stats leaders also highlighted St. Clare’s dominance.
Ndong (blocks), Sual (scoring), and Lim (steals) ended the tournament on top.
Toure (rebounds) and Edward Labayen (assists) completed the stats leaders.
With their historic campaign complete, the Saints once again proved why they are the gold standard in NAASCU
