Patriot cagers suffer home court dismay against Marines, 56-75

Despite their home court advantage, the DLSU-D men’s basketball team tasted their first loss in the opening game of the 23rd National Capital Region Athletic Association against the Philippine Merchant Maritime School (PMMS) Marines, 56-75, held at the Ugnayang La Salle (ULS) yesterday, January 13.

 

Photo by Brandon Ocenar

First game sorrow

The Patriots fell behind the match on the first quarter of the game, 13-24, and remained defenseless from the Marines’ unstoppable baskets in the first half, 26-35.

With a huge marine crowd dominating the ULS, the Marines heightened their supremacy to the third canto as Rocky Antonares, Elvin Chan, and Reggie Debulcos combined to lead the blue-and-white squad in a 14-point advantage, 29-43.

After the green-and-white timeout, Patriots Jastine Amponin, Exequiel de Vera, and Romiko Vidanes committed fouls that increased their deficit, 34-50.

 

Photo by Brandon Ocenar

The fourth quarter kicked off in a fast-paced game as the Patriots trimmed down the Marines’ lead after Yancy Remulla’s follow up shots and Paul Rait’s jump shots, 50-60.

However, the Marines halted the green-and-white tempo as Chan, Jerome Ortega, and Jerome Pasia chipped in more points to the PMMS score cards, 51-70.

Despite Patriot Luke Parcero’s unwavering effort in the last few minutes of the match, the Marines clinched their first victory in the league after pulverizing the green-and-white cagers in their home court, 56-75.

The Patriots will face the Rizal Technological Univesity Blue Thunders next on January 18 at the PMMS gym.