Vinz Rodriguez of Jacob’s Bakeshop pulls up for the contested three-point shot during a game in Bracket B of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
JACOB’S Bakeshop added another win to the books in Bracket B of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 on Wednesday after easing past Unity Trade, 73-60, at the Koblerville basketball court.
The game opened with both teams trading buckets in the first half.
Jacob’s drew first blood thanks to the post-up game of Jorge De Guzman and RJhay Singca’s reliable jump shot, quickly putting up eight points on the board. After a few attempts, Unity Trade eventually found its rhythm, with Ivan De Vero acting as the spark plug — scoring two strong finishes at the rim — while Jerik Javier capitalized on transition plays with several fastbreak opportunities to close the gap.
Although Jacob’s managed to regain some distance with Jay Panes, Singca, and DJ Fernando each contributing a triple, Unity Trade fought back. San De Vero and Mike Estores joined the frontline alongside Javier to help Unity Trade take a slight lead going into halftime, 36-34.
Despite Unity Trade’s mid-game comeback, Jacob’s opened the second half with a quick rally in the first five minutes. Fernando and Alex Ocampo powered the run with 12 and six points, respectively, regaining control of the tempo and scoreboard.
San De Vero and Brendon Talania tried to spark a response for Unity Trade, but missed shots and forced turnovers repeatedly stalled their momentum. On the other end, Jacob’s Renren Gaviola capitalized with easy fast break finishes to push the lead into double digits and seal the win, 73-60.
Also victorious that day were Kumpare, who defeated HBR, 57-52, and Hybrid, who earned their first win by beating the Saipan Ballers, 61-54.
Scores:
Jacob’s Bakeshop 73 – DJ Fernando 22, Rjhay Singca 7, Jorge De Guzman 9, Renren Gaviola 8, Vinz Rodriguez 6, Alex Ocampo 6, Andrew Sy 5, Jay Panes 3, Irvin Malonzo 2, Nelson Balledo 2, Gab De Guzman 2
Unity Trade 60 – San De Vero 16, Jerik Javier 12, Ivan De Vero 11, Brendon Talania 9, Mike Estores 6, Ronel Macalinao 3, Paul Quizon 2
