PMMS Mariners claim NCRAA hoops finals opener

MANILA, Philippines—Philippine Merchant Marine School rode on the heroics of Roger Malig-on to pull off an 87-79 victory over Olivarez College at the start of their best-of-three title series in the 19th National Capital Region Athletic (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the RTU gym in Mandaluyong Tuesday.

The Mariners saw a nine-point lead in the last period reduced to 79-81, but Malig-on connected with 21.6 seconds left, steering PMMS to a 83-79 edge in the closing seconds.

The Sea Lions then bungled two chances to catch up in the last 6.3 seconds.

The Mariners can claim their first crown with another win at 1 p.m. tomorrow at the De La Salle Dasmariñas gym in Cavite.