MANILA, Philippines – The Philippine Merchant Marine School Mariners stopped the Mapua Cardinals in overtime, 113-105, while the University of Perpetual Help Altas repulsed the Letran-A Knights last Sunday in the 12th Fr. Martin Cup Collegiate Open basketball tournament at the Far Eastern University gym in Morayta, Manila.
The Mariners drew six of 10 points in the extra period from Jerome Ortega in coming up with their fifth straight win in Group A.
Bright Akhuetie tallied 19 points in leading the Altas to their third triumph in four games in Group B.
Jess Quilatan banged in a game-high 20 points for the Mariners who are a game away from a sweep of their elimination round assignment.
The Altas quickly took charge, 18-7, with GJ Ylagan capping their early scoring attack with a triple in the last 1:34 of the first period.
In other matches, Francesco Asuncion made 18 points for the Ateneo Blue Eagles in their 66-63 win over the Manuel L. Quezon University Stallions.
Letran-B, led by Ichie Altamirano and Julius Tiburcio with 22 and 15 points, won over Far Eastern University-B, 84-81.
Cardinals big man Kenneth Magboo sent their match with the Cardinals into an extra period with his layup in the last seven seconds, 96-all.
After Magboo put the Cards ahead, 98-96, in the last 4:40, the Mariners turned the tables on the Cards, unleashing an 11-0 run behind Ortega.
A triple from Jakae Yagonia iced the Mariners’ attack and gave them a 9-point spread, 107-98, with 2:27 remaining.