TEAM Marianas did not disappoint during the opening games of 3×3 basketball at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Palau, as both the men’s and women’s teams collected their first wins on Tuesday.
The NMI Women’s Team was up first, asserting dominance over the Federated States of Micronesia with a 16-6 victory.
After a minute of action, FSM scored the first bucket of the game, but NMI’s Kaia Travilla quickly responded, capitalizing on a rebound for a second-chance opportunity to tie it at 1-1.
FSM played aggressively, forcing their way inside for high-percentage looks. But with each basket made, NMI had an answer, resulting in four ties within the first five minutes, knotted at 4-4.
However, defense became NMI’s biggest asset. FSM gradually buckled under constant pressure, leading to forced shots and turnovers. NMI took advantage, pulling away thanks to Alliyah Fernandez and Kina Rangamar, whose finishing at the rim proved crucial in the late-game run that sealed their debut win, 16-6.
NMI was unable to carry that momentum into their second game, falling to the Solomon Islands, 15-10.
In the men’s division, NMI picked up their first win in their second game against Samoa, edging them out 21-19.
NMI opened strong, with Chioni Dela Cruz hitting a shot from beyond the arc, followed by an and-one finish from Ervin Villarin to take a 4-2 lead. Though Samoa fought back using their height advantage to score inside, NMI countered with speed and long-range shooting to keep the game tied at 7-7.
Samoa briefly took control, building a three-point lead with five minutes left. But NMI thrived from beyond the arc, with Dela Cruz and Villarin sinking key threes to take a 19-17 edge.
Samoa tied it up again at 19-19, but NMI’s ball movement created just enough space for Dela Cruz to knock down the game-winning triple, securing the 21-19 win.
However, NMI’s men’s team also ended their day with a loss, falling to FSM 21-14.
NMI’s Kaia Travilla sets up her teammates during their debut game against the Federated States of Micronesia in 3×3 basketball at the 2025 Pacific Mini Games in Koror, Palau, on Tuesday.
Contributed photo
The NMI Men’s and Women’s 3×3 Basketball Team members pose for a group photo during the Northern Marianas Sports Association’s Team Marianas send-off ceremony at the Ada gym last week.
