The Knights downed Grace Christian Academy 78-59, leveling both teams at one win each in the Marianas Interscholastic Sports Organization’s boys’ basketball league.
Cabaltica piled a game-topping 32 points while Griffin mustered 12. Their teammates Min Seong Kim and John Saludez scored 11 and 10 points, respectively. Cabaltica kept his distance from the Eagles, landing back-to-back jumpers and a three-pointer. The Knights gave no mercy and struck a 44-30 lead in the late first half.
On GCA’s side of the court, Angelo Salas and Brandon Chargualaf hurried to catch up. A flurry of blocks from Griffin hindered both players from the basket. The Eagles lagged behind 44-30 two minutes into the third quarter. Time was running out for GCA – it was make-or-break situation in the final period.
Cabaltica made 20 points from the first half before making his last stream of layups in the closing minutes.
Salas, guiding GCA with 31 points, took a late game fall while driving past Baka. Chargualaf and Jones tallied 10 each.
The Eagles, who fell short four points in the first quarter, played without Moon Bin Hong and Daemin Jeon last Friday. They will no longer be with team, according to GCA’s coach Ed Salas.
The Knights’ first win marked the end of their losing streak.
MCS will face Marianas High School today, followed by a second varsity match between Kagman High School and GCA.
Scores:
Mount Carmel School 78 – R. Cabaltica 32, J. Griffin 12, M. Kim 11, J. Saludez 10, G. Baka 7, J. Yoon 4, A. Gagaring 2
Grace Christian Academy 59 – A. Salas 31, B. Chargualaf 10, E. Jones 10, S. Kim 2, J. Salas 2, M. Choi 2, J. Libut 2
Quarterscores: 20-16, 44-30, 55-43, 78-59
Tournament coming up
Following regular season games in boys’ basketball, MISO’s double-elimination tournament will take place on Feb. 11 and 12 at the MHS Gymnasium.
“As part of the eligibility requirement, students must pass all classes and maintain a 2.25 GPA. All student athletes participating have met these criteria in the most recent report card,” said Acting President Nick Gross in an email.
