Mariners, Sea Lions keep win run

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Merchant Marine School and Olivarez College came away with a pair of lopsided victories to stay within striking distance of unbeaten St. Clare in the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Rizal Technological University gym in Mandaluyong yesterday.

The PMMS Mariners leaned on a big second quarter run to roll past the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguards, 77-47, while the Sea Lions clobbered the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 90-75, to remain tied for second at 4-1.

The St. Clare Saints continued to pace the field with five straight wins.

Jess Quilatan and Dan Reverente scored 12 points apiece for the Mariners, who bounced back from a 60-70 loss to the Saints last Dec. 17.

Quilatan drilled in seven points in the second period, including a triple as the Mariners sat on a 36-25 cushion at halftime and never looked back.

“Our running game and defense worked well from the start. This helped us recover from our loss to St. Clare before the Christmas break,” said Mariners’ coach Aldrin Morante.

Mark Guillen led the Sea Lions with 16 points while Marvie Bustos tallied 15 markers.