Mariners, Blue Thunder win

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners and the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder fashioned out contrasting wins over separate rivals yesterday in the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong.

The Mariners quickly disposed of the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 68-53, and coasted to their second straight triumph in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls. They gained a share of the lead with the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Lions.

Nigerian point guard Dany Masso drilled in 16 points for the Mariners, while Elmar Moradas and Roger Malig-On had 15 and 12 points, respectively.

On the other hand, the undermanned Blue Thunder relied on the free throws of Jericho Cruz to escape with a 90-89 win over of the Colegio de Sta. Monica Cougars, picking up their first win after losing by forfeiture their opening game against the Jaguars.

Mark Brana showed the way for the Blue Thunder with 22 points, while Cruz tallied 20. Cruz scored two charities off a foul by John Orbeta with eight seconds left, allowing the Blue Thunder to gain a 90-85 lead in the remaining time.

The Cougars, who lost scoring ace Mark Montilla to a technical foul in the early part of the last period, refused to give up in the endgame and let veteran cager Jayvee Ferreria keep matters close. Ferreria, who had 15 points, made a four-point play at the buzzer as the Cougars fell short by one in the final tally.