Sea Lions take Game 1 in NCRAA cage title series

Games today (Finals at the RTU gymnasium, Mandaluyong)

10 a.m. – RTU vs La Salle-Dasmariñas (women, Game 3)

11:30 a.m. – RTU vs La Salle-Dasmariñas (men, battle for third)

1 p.m. – Olivarez College vs PMMS (men, Game 3)

MANILA, Philippines - Mar Orias and Franklin Mancio delivered crucial baskets in the last three minutes as they led Olivarez College to a 68-62 stopping of defending champion Philippine Merchant Marine School in Game 1 of their championship series in the 20th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Technological University gymnasium in Mandaluyong..

The duo’s efforts and the team’s solid defense in the closing minutes allowed the Sea Lions to grab the upperhand in their best-of-three series as they closed in on the title they lost to the Mariners last season.

Orias, who topscored for OC with 21 points, unloaded a triple in the last 2:31 as the Sea Lions tied the match for the last time at 57-all.

Mancio, who only had eight points, came up with a jumper and a three-point play during a series of exchanges with the foul-troubled Mariners, who fell behind after they converted only two of four charities in the ensuing plays.

Mancio’s offensive plays, coupled with a drive from Orias, enabled the Sea Lions to quickly move away, 65-59, en route to the win.

“They (Mariners) kept close because we didn’t challenge their offense. Our defense was better this time, but it’s not yet time to celebrate because there’s Game 2,” said coach Mike Saguiguit, whose Lions gun for the title at 1 p.m. today.