Olivarez Sea Lions drown Mariners in NCRAA caging

MANILA, Philippines - Defending champion Olivarez College blasted Philippine Merchant Marine School, 73-66, yesterday at the Emilio Aguinaldo College Sports and Cultural Center in Paco, Manila.

Mark Guillen and Jay Alquisalas showed the way with 19 and 15 points, respectively, for the Sea Lions, who posted their second consecutive win after the holiday break in the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament.

The win allowed the Sea Lions to grab second spot with their fifth triumph in six games, overtaking the Mariners, who now have a 4-2 record at third place.

In the day’s other men’s game, Rennel Montecillo unloaded 22 points for the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder, who blasted the EAC-Cavite Vanguards, 83-66.

Guillen combined for a 9-2 blast with Franklin Mancio in the last four minutes to shatter a 38-all deadlock.  Mancio then capped their scoring run with a jumper, handing the Sea Lions a 47-40 edge.

From there, Sea Lions never let go of the lead until the end.

“This is our second straight win after the holiday break. We are hoping to continue our winning streak,” said Sea Lions coach Mike Saguiguit.

The Sea Lions defeated the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 90-75, last Monday, with Guillen making 16 points.

In women’s action, the  EAC-Cavite Lady Vanguards and the La Salle-Dasmarinas Lady Patriots started their campaigns on a bright note.

The Lady Vanguards won over PMMS, 84-73, with Jel Ponce hitting 35 points, while Jessa Tarroja had 36 points for the Lady Patriots, who trounced the St. Claire Lady Saints, 110-47.