TARGET ng National Athletic Association of Schools, Colleges and Universities (NAASCU) champion St. Clare College-Caloocan na mahila ang dominasyon sa pagsabak sa National Capital Region qualifying phase ng Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) simula sa Enero 15 sa Jose Rizal University gym sa Shaw Blvd., Mandaluyong City.

Pinangangasiwaan nina NAASCU president Dr. Ernesto Jay Adalem at coach Jino Manansala, kumpiyansa ang Caloocan City-based Saints sa kanilang kampanya bunsod na rin ng tagumpay na nakamit sa NAASCU.

“We’re confident about our chances in the PCCL.The players are in high spirits since winning back-to-back NAASCU titles last October,” sambit ni Adalem.

“The PCCL is also a good opportunity for the players to further hone their skills under CoachManansala before they take their acts to the PBA D- League scheduled later this month,” added Adalem, who is widely credited for turning St. Clare into one of the leading collegiate teams.

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Iginiit naman ni Manansala na ang pagsabak ng St. Clare sa PCCL at PBA D-League ay magpapatunay sa katatagan ng Saints na matagal nang pinatunayan sa NAASCU.

“We’re ready to take the challenge. We like our chances,” pahayag ni Manansala, tinanghal na “Best Coach “ sa NAASCU matapos makalinya sina CEU coach Egay Macaraya at UM coach Ato Tolentino na may dalawa o higit pang titulo sa NAASCU.

Pangungunahan ang koponan ni two-time NAASCU MVP winner Aris Dionisio, Junjie Hallare, Paeng Rebugio at African import Mohamed Pare. Nadomina ng St. Clare ang De Ocampo Memorial College (101-79 at 98-83) sa NAASCU Finals para sa ikalawang sunod na titulo at ikatlo sa kabuuan mula nang sumapi sa liga noong 2001.

Kabilang ang St. Clare sa Group A ng PCCL kasama ang MBL chmpion Colegio de San Lorenzo at NCAA heavyweight Jose Rizal University. Nasa Group B naman ang Far Eastern University, San Sebastian College and PATTS.