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St. Clare begins 3-peat bid with rout of Enderun

By Ivan Saldajeno

PASAY--St. Clare opened its title defense in the National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges, and Universities men's basketball tournament with a 96-72 rout of Enderun at the Cuneta Astrodome on Tuesday.

The Saints broke away from the Titans with a second half bomb as their quest for a third consecutive title began on a high note.

After engaging in a close battle with Enderun for the entire first half, St. Clare outscored its opponent, 25-13, in the third quarter to blow the game wide open.

The Saints then dropped 29 more points in the final frame as their championship pedigree glared throughout the arena in the final 20 minutes.

Joseph Penaredondo and Russel Fuentes each made 13 points, while Mohamed Pare made a double-double of 12 points and 12 rebounds with one assist and two steals for St. Clare.

Valandre Chauca and Mike Dela Cruz dropped 15 markers each for Enderun.

Follow him on Twitter: @IvanSaldajeno