Chiefs, Mariners stay on top in Fr. Martin cagefest

MANILA, Philippines – The Arellano University Chiefs and the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners struck again, turning back separate rivals to stay on top of their respective brackets last Sunday in the 12th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament at the Far Eastern University gym in Morayta, Manila.

Both squads posted their fourth straight victories after the Chiefs clobbered the University of the East Warriors, 93-76, and the Mariners waylaid the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions, 66-58.

Donald Gumaru fired 12 points for the Chiefs, who took the solo lead in Group B.

Jess Quilatan and Reggie Debulco tallied 17 and 12 points for the Mariners, who moved ahead in Group A.

The Mapua Cardinals, with Dennel Aguirre firing 17 points, turned back Far Eastern University, 85-64.

It was the Cardinals’ second triumph in three matches.

The Chiefs got nine points from Michael Canete in the third period as they pulled away from a 40-37 halftime lead.

Two charities from Allen Enriquez at the end of the third handed the Chiefs a 72-52 spread.

The Mariners never looked back after they took a 51-46 lead at the end of the third off two charities from Robin Villamayor and Quilatan’s jumper, 51-46.

Attacks from Quilatan and Rocky Antonares in the last 6:05 of the fourth put the Mariners ahead by nine, 55-56.