Corpus hits game winner as Sea Lions nip Mariners

MANILA, Philippines - Eldrige Corpus drove in with 1.4 seconds left to lift the defending champion Olivarez College Sea Lions past the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners, 64-63, yesterday in the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament

Corpus, who got a crucial pass from Mark Madera, finished with 18 points as the Sea Lions climbed to second spot with their eighth win in 11 outings when action ended at the Rizal Technological University gymnasium in Mandaluyong City

This allowed the Sea Lions to solidify their hold on the second semifinals seat. They can secure it if they hurdle the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars on Wednesday

The Mariners, who dropped to third with their 7-4 card, gave the Sea Lions a scare in the final minute. They rallied from five points down, with Dan Reverente’s drive in the last 56 seconds, allowing PMMS to threaten, 57-62

A triple from Sany Trinidad in the next play, followed by Reverente’s split charity allowed the Mariners to overtake the Sea Lions, 63-62, before Corpus came through with his game-winner.

“Muntik na. Buti na lang, nakakita ng opportunity sa ilalim sila Madera at Corpus (We almost lost. Good thing Madera and Corpus found an opening underneath),” said Sea Lions coach Mike Saguiguit

Meanwhile, the RTU Blue Thunders sank six of eight free throw attempts in the last 23 seconds to beat the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguards, 72-67

Jopet Quiro showed the way with 21 points  for RTU, which is a win away from formally claiming the last semis slot with their 5-6 card

In women’s action, RTU and La Salle-Dasmariñas stayed unbeaten after six games.