The Ol Aces started out strong and fierce and were able to edge past the Rollers after team player Juan Maratita scored 8 points throughout the quarter while teammate Ryan Ichihara secured the gap by contributing his 4 points.
The Rollers did not go down without a fight. Player Ham Hambros fended off 6 points while teammate John Cenir collared 4 points in their attempt to keep the Ol Aces at bay.
By the end of the quarter however, the Ol Aces edged past the Rollers by 2 points, 17-15.
Both teams entered the second quarter ready to play some ball but the Ol Aces stepped it up a notch with inspiring remarks and cheers from their coach, teammates from the bench, and their supporters.
Maratita and teammate Anthony Webb each scored 7 points a piece to widen the gap made in the first quarter. They then built a strong and immovable defense line against the Rollers to keep them at bay.
By half time, Maratita sealed the second quarter shut with a sure lay up shot. The Ol Aces stretched the gap from 2 shaky points to 8 strong points, 37-29.
As the second half of the bout unraveled, renewed hope came for the Rollers. This hope was crushed mercilessly by the Ol Aces after Trevor Ogumoro scored 9 points playing side by side with teammate Maratita who sunk 4 charity shots to enlarge the gap to 12 points at the bottom of the third quarter.
Both teams highly anticipated the last quarter of the play offs game along with their supporters but fatigue and weariness got a better hold on the Rollers.
Douglas Dillay collared another 8 points for the Ol Aces. Securing this winning points rally, Lia Rangamar and Ryan Lisua each connected to the basket for 6 and 4 points respectively.
The Ol Aces blasted the Rollers out of the play offs and now marches off to the semis by 16 points, 80-64.
Scores:
Ol Aces– J. Maratita 19, T. Ogumoro 9, A. Webb 9, R. Lisua 8, D. Dillay 8, L. Taylor 7, D. Kautz 6, L. Rangamar 6, R. Ichihara 4, W. Tomokane 4.
Rollers B– H. Hambros 19, S. Talalemotu 11, L. Deleon Guerrero 8, J. Darag 11, J. Cenir 4.
