Olivarez trips PMMS, sweeps NCRAA elims

MANILA, Philippines—Olivarez College turned to John Corneh in the end game and escaped with a 69-64 decision of Philippine Merchant Marine School in the 19th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament Monday.

Corneh’s triple with 38.7 seconds left clinched the win for the Olivarez Sea Lions, who completed a six-game sweep of the elimination round, at their home court in Sucat, Parañaque.

Corneh’s trey, which came from a John Lascunas feed, shattered a 64-all deadlock and eventually rewarded the Sea Lions with the No. 1 seeding in the quarterfinal round of the tournament supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls, and Ani Agrinurture, Inc.

“This is the first time that the team swept the elimination round after 19 years,” said Sea Lions coach Michael Saguiguit.

“They were inspired by Dr. (Pablo) Olivarez cheering us on,” added Saguiguit.

The Mariners, with Dan Reverente firing a game-high 17 points, rallied from 18 points down in the third, but fell short.

PMMS settled for the No. 2 seed with its 5-1 win-loss record.

In the other match, Rizal Technological University drew big baskets from Elias Sarona and Jopet Quiro to roll back Patts College of Aeronautics, 63-59.

Franklin Mancio dished out 10 points for the Sea Lions, Lascunas had nine and Corneh added eight.

Sarona and Quiro scored in the last 21 seconds as the RTU Blue Thunder earned their third win in five matches.

Sandy Cenal paced RTU with 12 points.