Mariners nip Sea Lions, reach final

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Merchant Marine School proved steadier in overtime, repulsing defending champion Olivarez College, 88-83, to advance to the finals of the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at San Andres gym in Manila yesterday.

Dan Reverente and Sonny Trinidad came through with big baskets in the closing minutes as the Mariners hacked out the win in their rubber match for the right to face the St. Clare Saints in a separate best-of-three finals.

Reverente fired 18 points for the Mariners, who surged ahead at 84-80 before watching the Sea Lions bungle their attempts from the three-point range.

Trinidad sealed the victory with a drive that made it, 86-80, for PMMS with 35 seconds left in the contest.

PMMS’ Robin Villamayor hit two charities in the last 1:26 to send the game into overtime at 74.

The finals will start on Monday.