THE Jose Maria College (JMC) Kings nipped the Davao Merchant Marine Academy College of Southern Philippines (DCSP) Mariners, 51-50, as the Davao City Private Schools Athletic Association (Prisaa) Meet collegiate basketball tournament resumed at the Brokenshire College of Davao covered court Saturday, February 25.
Anthony Suaybaguio finished with 16 points as teammate Jin Mijares added 15 to fuel a come-from-behind victory for the Kings who trailed in the first three periods.
Kenneth Aguanta and RB Damaolao led the charge for DCSP, combining for 24 points.
JMC and DCSP both barged into the semifinals along with the University of Mindanao (UM) Wildcats and STI College.
The Mariners were up 27-19 at the half, forcing JMC head coach Rhoel Josol to shift their defensive strategy to zone from man-to-man defense.
"I gambled the play we prepared and shifted to another game plan since our shooters didn't connect," Josol said in an interview with SunStar Davao.
He added that their only way to come up with an edge was to dominate the paint and capitalize on their height advantage.
The Kings will next clash against STI College in a non-bearing game before seeing action in the semifinals.
STI College earlier escaped past Brokenshire College of Davao, 53-52, to eliminate the host team. (ABM)