MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners and the Colegio de Sta. Monica Cougars outplayed separate foes Friday to remain on track for second-round slots in the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament.
The Mariners, behind Elmar Moradas and Roger Malig-On, stopped the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots, 76-57, at the Rizal Technological University gymnasium.
Moradas shot 20 points, while Malig-On delivered 12 points for the Mariners, who marched to the solo lead with their fourth consecutive triumph.
The two also came up with double-digit figures when they led the Mariners to a 75-66 thumping of the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguards Wednesday.
The Mariners will try to stretch their winning streak on Tuesday when they fight the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses at the the Olivarez College Sports Complex in Sucat, Parañaque.
In the other game, the Cougars hardly minded the absence of scoring ace Mark Montilla as they fended off the PATTS Sea Horses, 82-69.
The Cougars, who missed Montilla on a one-game suspension following Monday’s physical encounter with the RTU Blue Thunder, banked on their full-court press in the second half to keep the Sea Horses at bay.
John Orbeta, stepping up in Montilla’s place, had a game-high 19 points, while Vincent Medrana contributed 13.
They finally dictated the pace in the third period after establishing a 38-28 halftime spread.
”We had a slow start. Buti na lang, nag-focus na sila sa second half,” said Cougars coach Yong Garcia.