ROLLERS White gave Rollers Red a beating, 45-19, in the U19 division of the 2021 NMI Rollers Basketball Association Spring Madness on Sunday at the Koblerville gym.
Rollers White found their rhythm early in the game, taking control offensively and defensively. JP Cruz led the attack with eight points while team-mate Leo Naraja paved the way with his court vision, providing three assists and delivering seven points.
Rollers Red struggled to find their footing as they could not find a crack in Rollers White’s defense.
But Rollers Red’s Jay managed to score five points while Johnkae contributed two as their team trailed 7-22.
The second half was no different as Rollers White continued to move the ball with ease to widen the gap.
Rollers White’s Devon P. played more aggressively and was rewarded with seven points while team-mates Cruz and Naraja combined for 11 points as their team remained in total control.
Rollers Red did step up their game in the second half as Leandro Bichayda and Jason Sablan found good looks to score four and five points.
However, with more missed shots than makes, they could not make use of any second-chance buckets due to Rollers White’s defense led by Jimmy J. who grabbed seven rebounds in the second half to keep Rollers Red at bay as Rollers White notch an easy victory, 45-19.
Winners circle
Rollers Black joined the winners circle of the U19 division after slipping past the Sonics, 57-37.
In the beginning, it was a fairly even match between both teams with Matthew Richardson and Sunjoon Tenorio orchestrating the offense for Rollers Black while Khristian Itaas and Christian Bravo led the Sonics to a 21-21 tie at the end of the first half.
However, in the second half, it was Rollers Black’s time to shine as its players started to contribute.
Tenorio continued to harass from the defensive end with a handful of steals and rebounds which gave Richardson, Gregory and Koboy opportunities to finish strong on the other end of the court.
Itaas and Bravo tried their best to keep the Sonics alive, but Rollers Black could not be denied, winning convincingly, 57-37.
Rollers Red’s Leandro Bichayda drives through the middle between two defenders during a U19 game of the 2021 NMI RBA Spring Madness on Sunday at the Koblerville gym.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Rollers White’s Everrett I. dribbles past a defender during a U19 game of the 2021 NMI RBA Spring Madness on Sunday at the Koblerville gym.
Photo James F. Sablan Jr.
