JACOB’S extended its winning streak to two on Saturday, defeating Seabridge, 53-44, in a B Division game of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
In the opening quarter, all eyes were on Jacob’s Manuel Gatbonton, who dominated the highlight reel with 13 points to give his team an early lead.
On the other end, father-and-son duo Sonny and Lance Lerio tried to spark Seabridge’s offense with a pair of triples, but their efforts were matched by Jacob’s Rjhay Singca, who chipped in eight points to extend the lead to double digits, 21-10.
The second period brought more of the same.
Seabridge’s supporting cast began to find their rhythm, as Bryan Bernardo, Alvin Fundador, and Kenny Laquian each contributed a bucket in hopes of closing the gap. Their defense also improved, but Jacob’s bench stepped up, scoring just enough to maintain a nine-point cushion at halftime, 29-20.
The intensity picked up in the third quarter, with Laquian leading Seabridge’s offensive charge and the team controlling most of the possessions. However, Jacob’s cohesive play and unselfish ball movement allowed them to retain control, 39-32.
In the final period, Bernardo and Laquian pushed hard to narrow the margin, but Gatbonton and DJ Fernando responded on the other end, scoring seven and four points, respectively, to keep Jacob’s in front and seal the 53-44 win.
Winners, too
Also picking up wins were Unity Trade, which earned its first victory by beating Hybrid, 56-46, and HBR, which triumphed over Saipan Ballers, 61-45.
Scores:
Jacob’s 53 – Manuel Gatbonton 20, Rjhay Singca 11, Vinz Rodriguez 4, DJ Fernando 4, Alex Ocampo 4, Gab De Guzman 2, Nelson Ballero 2, Jay Panes 2, Jorge De Guzman 2, Irvin Malonzo 1
Seabridge 44 – Kenny Laquian 11, Bryan Bernardo 8, Axl Cadag 6, Lance Lerio 6, Sonny Lerio 6, Alvin Fundador 4, Edwin Ang 2, Norman Parbia 1
Jacob’s Alex Ocampo extends for the close range shot between two defenders during a game against Seabridge in the B Division of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Jacob’s Rjhay Singca draws the foul as he goes up for a layup during a game against Seabridge in the B Division of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Saturday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
