MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Philippine Merchant Marine School and Rizal Technological University beat their respective rivals to prop up their bid in the 20th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament.
The Mariners turned on the heat in the second period and got the needed push from Dan Reverente as they clobbered the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots, 85-60, for their fourth straight win at the Rizal Technological University gym in Mandaluyong City.
Rookie Elias Sarona scored the winning basket in the last 10 seconds for the RTU Blue Thunder, who edged the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguard, 74-72, in the other contest.
IT was the Blue Thunder’s third win in four outings as they moved to second behind the Mariners in the tournament backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
The Vanguard, who fell to 1-2, kept the game tied as William McAuley drove in with 23 seconds to go to make it 72-all.
Newcomer Elvin Chan came through with 16 points for the Mariners, who earlier held off the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses, 89-83.
Reverente scored seven of his 12 points in a big second quarter charge as the Mariners sped to a 19-point lead, 47-28, at halftime.
Last Tuesday, Franklin Mancio drilled in 18 points for the Olivarez College Sea Lions, who trounced the Patriots, 92-62.
The Sea Lions (1-1) bounced back from their 70-73 opening-day loss to the Mariners.