Saints dominate Mariners, sweep 1st round elims

MANILA, Philippines - St. Claire drew double digit outputs from four players as the Saints clobbered the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners, 110-52, yesterday to remain unbeaten in the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the San Andres gym in Manila.

Gil Marte and Mark Dulalia hit 13 points each while Jayson Ibay and Dennis Santos added 12 markers apiece for the Saints, who swept the first round elims for a 6-0 card.

With Ibay on the firing end, the Saints seized control early and posted a 22-6 bulge after the opening period and cruised all the way to finish.

Earlier, Jestoni Bacla-an exploded for 41 points as the Emilio Aguinaldo College-Cavite Vanguards outlasted the Philippine School of Business Administration Jaguars, 89-85, to snap a five-game skid.

In women’s action, the La Salle-Dasmariñas Lady Patriots blasted the Philippine Merchant Marine School Lady Mariners as Jessa Tarroja banged in 31 points for the team’s second straight win.

In the other women’s game, Rica Francisco shot 25 points as the Rizal Technological University Lady Thunders tripped the EAC-Cavite Lady Vanguards, 70-63.