Mariners win first ever title

DASMARIÑAS, Cavite, Philippines  -- Philippine Merchant Marine School turned to the free throw line and its defense to frustrate Olivarez College, 76-69, and claim the 19th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball crown Thursday at the Ugnayang La Salle gymnasium inside the De La Salle University-Dasmariñas campus.

The Mariners sank four of six charity attempts in the last 34.4 seconds to bag their first-ever crown in six years in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls, and ANI AgriNurture Inc.

Dave Tagolimot, who was benched for disciplinary reasons in Game 2, rose to the occasion and redeemed himself by scoring 13 points, including a split from the line in the final 14.9 seconds, handing PMMS a 72-69 lead.

Then, the Mariners’ clogged all the offensive lanes and prevented the Sea Lions’ designated scorer Robert Faundo from tying the count with a possible trey in the remaining seconds to secure the win.

Sany Trinidad banged in 11 points, his two charities in the final 2.8 seconds finalizing the count for the Mariners.

Elmar Moradas, named Most Valuable Player, scored nine points for PMMS, which also took Game 1, 87-79.  The Mariners also got a big lift from Bryan Daguplo, who had 13 markers.

For missing five weeks of practices, the 5-11 Tagolimot was benched in the second game, where the Sea Lions equalized the best-of-three series at 1-win apiece via an 85-62 triumph last Tuesday at the Olivarez College gymnasium in Sucat, Parañaque.

“He stepped up (Tagolimot) in Game 3. But defense wins championships. And it was the key for us in the last two minutes. Our players kept their eyes on the Sea Lions’ shooter (Philip) De la Cruz. It feels good winning our first championship,” said Mariners coach Aldrin Morante.

Tagolimot’s three-point play with 1:43 allowed the Mariners to grab the lead at 68-66. They moved further ahead at 70-66 after Trinidad eluded the defense of John Corneh and went for a layup with 1:25 to go.

De la Cruz showed the way for the Sea Lions with 16 points, while John Lascunas and Franklin Mancio had 10 apiece.