Patriots off to big start, rip Marlins

The Nueva Ecija Patriots got off to a rousing start as they thumped the Socsargen Marlins for a 71-63 victory yesterday in the opener of the MBA Second Phase at the San Juan Gym.

Francis Aquino scored 21 points and snared six rebounds but it was the Patriots’ resolute defense in the final quarter that anchored their victory, their third in as many meetings with the Marlins. Nueva Ecija held Socsargen to an all-time low of four points in the final period.

The Marlins actually led at the end of the third quarter, 59-53, but they bumped into Nueva Ecija’s solid defense in the last 12 minutes, enabling the Patriots to score the come-from-behind victory.

Nueva Ecija newcomers Jay Magat and Ramil Ferma did not let down new coach Arlene Rodriguez as they combined forces with Aquino in the last quarter.

Ferma scored all of his four points while Magat, taking the chores vacated by the injured Jonathan de Guzman, added two points while orchestrating the plays as Nueva Ecija made 10 points to seize a 64-59 lead.

The Marlins could only buy their first basket after six minutes of play in the fourth quarter on a drive by Bong Alvarez.

Aquino also had three assists and one steal and was named best player of the game. – Joey Villar