By Roselyn B. Monroyo
Variety News Staff

HI-Five and Ghasias had a shootout from downtown with the former prevailing in the end with an 86-84 victory in the SAIPANCELL/BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gym.
Hi-Five and Ghasias nailed seven triples apiece, but the former delivered the crucial points in the closing minutes of the game to improve its record to 2-2. Ghasias remains winless in three matches.
Omar Ajoste, who started the game with a triple, nailed one trey in the closing seconds of the match and scored four of Hi-Five’s last six points to lift his team to a two-point win.
AJ Domine had only four points, but his two free throws pegged the final score and sealed the win for Hi-Five.
Ajoste paced Hi-Five with 21 points hitting three triples, while Cequena also made three baskets from downtown and finished with 17 markers.
Two other Hi-Five players scored in double figures with Walter Mendoza making one triple and firing 14 points, and Jeff Pagarao adding 10.
Jason Kaipat led Ghasias’ losing cause drilling 24 markers. Val Taisakan chipped in 22, while Frank Mizutani and Jake Pelisamen contributed 12 apiece.
With Taisakan connecting on two triples in the first period, Ghasias took a 26-20 lead.
Hi-Five grabbed the driver’s seat at halftime, 52-46, when Pagarao drilled eight of his total points in the second quarter.
Hi-Five kept the lead at the end of the third period, 76-69, as Ajoste and Mendez led their team’s balanced scoring.
The fourth quarter was a seesaw battle with Ajoste making important baskets and Domine securing the win hitting two charities in the closing seconds of the game.
Scores:
Hi-Five 86—Ajoste 21, Cequena 17, Mendez 14, Pagarao 10, Manansala 7, Gapor 6,
Domine 4, Itibus 4.
Ghasias 84—Ja. Kaipat 24, V. Taisakan 22, Pelisamen 12, Mizutani 12, B. Taisakan 7, Taimanglo 3, V. Kaipat 2. I Kaipat 2.
Quarterscores: 20-26, 52-46, 76-69, 86-84