Junior Phoenix, Saints crush foes

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Our Lady of Fatima University demolished New Era University, 108-53, to post its second straight win even as St. Clare College-Caloocan debuted with a smashing 90-69 win over newcomer Trace College, in the 11th NAASCU juniors basketball tournament at the UM gym in Gastambide, Manila.

The Junior Phoenix, who debuted with a 98-62 win over Trace College, played without last year’s MVP awardee AJ Perea.

Equally impressive were the Junior Saints of coach Mark Herrera and manager Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem, who dealt the Baby Stallions their second straight loss.

Demesa topscored with 20 points, Mercado added 18 points and Libunao contributed 17 points for St. Clare.

Ronnie Andal paced Trace College with 23 points, followed by Jeric Prado and Alden Apacionado with 12 points each.

Last year runner-up Centro Escolar University also debuted with a win beatingSTI Colleges, 75-66.