THE Professional World Academy (PWA) Blue Marlins rebounded from an opening round defeat, blasting Iligan Medical Center College (IMCC) Rhinos, 96-86 in the HNH Builders President’s Cup 24-under collegiate men’s division on Sunday at the Liceo de Cagayan University gym here.
Akoy Pailagao led the Blue Marlins with 18 points, while Frienze Nate and Kenneth Macasare provided 15 and 9 markers, respectively.
The Marlins of head coach Oliver Kwong were in control in the entire game, maintaining a double digit margin all the way.
They even padded it to 16 in the final period, but were threatened in the last two minutes of play as the Rhinos made quick steals one after the other.
“We were aggressive in our offensive and defensive transitions and that made us win,” said Jonas Mulawan, assistant coach for PWA.
Meanwhile, the Southern de Oro Philippines College (SPC) jr. Sharks of coach Rey Dangcal posted their second-straight win after defeating Sacred Heart of Jesus Montessori High School (SHJMHS) Saints of coach Boy Dacoco, 89-83 in the 18-under high school division.
Ramil Libago powered the jr. Sharks with 16 points, while Jericho Montecalvo gave 14 markers.
Both the jr. Sharks and the Saints engaged in a see-saw battle in the first three quarters en route to narrow gap when the game entered the final fourth quarter.
But, the SPC Sharks had the breaks of the game as their defensive stops led the way for the victory.
The Saints failed to take advantage of the situation when SPC’s reliable troika of Montecalvo, Jack Suello and Jan Cabanes fouled out early in the fourth.
“Lisod pildehon but wala sab nila na-capitalize ang ilang advantange nga fouled out ang tulo nakong saligando,” said Dangcal.
In the same division, Millenium Christian Academy of coach John Rodre Oponda celebrated their first win after routing Merry Child School, 80-73.
“We are proud of the boys for their first win after an opening loss,” said Chealsea Bien, assistant coach of the MCA and herself a Jr. NBA Philippines women’s coach.
IMCC jr. Rhinos beat East Gusa National High School, 117-111.