NCRAA: PMMS survives Olivarez; RTU keeps women’s plum

Reigning titlist Philippine Merchant Marine School recovered from a terrible start to frustrate arch-rival Olivarez College, 70-66 Monday in Game 1 of the 23rd National Capital Region Athletic Association men’s basketball Finals.

The appreciative crowd at the Rizal Technological University Gym in Mandaluyong City roared in delight as the Sea Lions, last year’s losing finalists, surged to an early 22-5 lead but the Mariners banked on their steely determination to survive.

‘‘The team was pressured at the start but the players survived a test of character. This was a grind for us,’’ said former amateur hotshot and PMMS head coach Aldrin Morante.

Morante said this was the worst start of the Mariners in the league.‘‘ I’m relieved that we were able to get the win despite the worst start of my coaching career here at the PMMS.’’

In the second game, Rizal Technological University kept its women’s basketball diadem after  downing De La Salle University-Dasmariñas, 65-53, in Game 2 of the best-of-three title series.

League Most Valuable Player Angelica Jaberto, Crislyn Mier and Aira Canales punched holes on the defense of Lady Patriots to sweep the series.

The Lady Thunder took Game 1, 45-41.

Led by Mythical Five member Diane Reyes and Agatha Azarcon, the Lady Patriots posted a 33-23 halftime lead before the Lady Thunder leaned on a crippling halfcourt press to grab the upper hand,  57-42.

Bolstered by the hotshooting Jake Yagonia, Domark Matillano, Elvin Chan and the inside game of the solidly-built Rocky Antonares, 6-foot-3, the Mariners swam back into safety, 48-48 at the end of the third period.

‘‘Things stared to change when we tied the game. The adrenalin is already present,’’ said Morante.

Yagonia and Matillano silenced the Sea Lions’ gallery with two triples each as the Mariners posted a  61-52 lead.

But Olivarez was far from finished as Pruvil Bermudez, Marv Saguigit and Richard Singh hit their marks to force a 64-64 deadlock.

But the wide-bodied Chan made the game’s biggest basket as he completed a twisting layup which netted him a three-point play off Saguigit, 40.5 seconds left. 

The win actually extended the winning streak of the Mariners to nine game in the league. PMMS swept the eliminations with an immaculate 8-0 card, including two wins over the Sea Lions.

‘‘Olivarez kept coming back. We hope to end it in Game 2,’’ said Morante.

The scores

First game

PMMS 70–Yagonia 23, Matillano 12, Chan 12, Antonares 11, Quilatan 8,  Villamayor 4,  Debulcos 0, Bernardo 0.

Olivarez College 66–Bermudez 13, Solis 12, Saguigit 11,  Begaso 10, Singh 10, Bustos 6, Ollano 4,  Sala 0, Tomilloso 0, Navarro 0.

Quarters:5-20; 27-34; 48-48;70-66

Second game (women’s)

Rizal Technological U 65–Jaberto 16, Ayhon 9, Canales 8, Mier 9, Yonzon 8,Mantos N. 6, Castillano 4, Mantos V. 3, Faraon 2

DLSU-Dasmariñas 53–Azarcon 24, Reyes 16, Campasa 7, Limpangog 3, Jumawan 1, Torregosa 1, Rodriguez 1.

Quarters: 17-18, 23-33, 46-39, 65-53.