MANILA, Philippines – The Colegio de Sta. Monica Cougars came back with a vengeance and repulsed the La Salle-Dasmariñas Patriots, 77-69, to advance to the next phase of the wildcard quarterfinals of the 18th National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball tournament at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.
Daniel Flores and Jessie Saitanan showed the way with 16 and 12 points, respectively, for the Cougars in this cagefest supported by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
The two struck hard in the first quarter as the Cougars quickly took charge with a 19-9 first quarter advantage. They stepped in place of injured main man Mark Montilla, who was used sparingly as he was still recovering from a left shoulder injury.
The victory set the Cougars, who had a twice-to-beat incentive over the Patriots, into a quarterfinal encounter with the defending champion Olivarez College Sea Lions at 10 a.m. this Monday at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.
“This was all about preparation. Flores and Saitanan played a big game today,” said Cougars coach Yong Garcia.
The Patriots won over the Cougars, 85-82, in their first quarterfinal showdown last Monday.
Meanwhile, the Rizal Technological University Blue Thunder prevailed over the PATTS College of Aeronautics Sea Horses, 97-86, in another playoff, with Mark Trinidad topscoring with 19 points.
The win earned for the Blue Thunder the right to meet the Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners at 11:30 a.m. in the second phase of the playoffs.
In women’s action, Alaine de Gomas shot 29 points for the De La Salle University-Dasmarinas Lady Patriots, who won over the RTU Lady Thunder, 66-59.