MANILA, Philippines -St. Clare shook off a shaky start then dominated Philippine Merchant Marine School as it fashioned out a 70-53 victory yesterday to take the opener of their best-of-three series for the 21st National Capital Region Athletic Association (NCRAA) men’s basketball crown at the Olivarez College gym in Sucat, Parañaque.
Gil Marte and Jayson Ibay fired 18 and 15 points, respectively, while Mark Dulalia chipped in 12 markers for the Saints, who swept their 12-game elimination round assignment to gain the outright finals seat in the event backed by Mikasa and Molten Balls.
The Saints go for the clincher tomorrow.
Jess Quilatan unloaded 12 points, while Elvin Chan had 11 markers for the Mariners, who seized control early, 10-1, but reeled back in the face of the Saints’ fiery comeback.