By Nazario Rodriguez Jr.
Horizon news staff

The defending champion Rangers opened their bid for a back-to-back on a bright note last Sunday by beating newcomer Basty Ngchesar, 71-47, in the second day of hostilities in the Filipino Basketball Association 2007 season at the Palau National Gymnasium.
Slotman Jay Naguit scored 19 points as the Rangers controlled the tempo of the game from start to finish.
Palau’s Wass-up team also joined the fun with its hard-earned 78-71 victory over another newcomer in Samurai.
John Stills led the Palauans with 23 while Ziske Asanuma and Lyndon Ngiramolau added 14 and 11 respectively.
Asian Spirit also joined in the fray past Palau Royal Resort, 109-92, with its one-two punch, Arnold Undecino and Eric Manio finishing the game with 39 and 25 points, respectively.
Earlier in the first game, another newcomer, Patriots, nailed a stunning 78-57 win over the Rams, who failed to capitalize a 20-12 first quarter lead as the Patriots easily recovered with a 35-30 lead at halftime on the way to their first win in the league.
Joeger Supnet and June Bautista scored 25 and 14 respectively for the Patriots.