HBR/The Game reigned supreme during Sunday’s opening game in the upper bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025, outlasting A+ Consulting, 74-73, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The game began with both teams vying for control of the pace. A+ Consulting got on the scoreboard with back-to-back triples from Douglas Schmidt and Ales Robles, while Chris Sanchez and Alex Lauron cleaned up underneath the rim with a couple of and-one plays and second-chance attempts to grab the lead.
That lead was short-lived, however, as HBR/The Game gradually closed the distance thanks to the all-around performance of Wesley Walker, who equalized with a few treys and strong finishes at the rim. Walker led the offensive assault with nine first-half points, while Airson Atan and Jeffrey Yugummang chipped in to help HBR/The Game seize the upper hand going into halftime, 32-27.
The action only intensified in the second half. A+ Consulting returned with Robles and Ty Redondo at the frontline, punishing defenders with a reliable jump shot. Schmidt also found his range, drilling three consecutive three-pointers to eventually close the gap.
Despite A+ Consulting’s efforts, HBR/The Game managed to hold on, answering nearly every shot. John Thongaram and Atan kept the team afloat during the early exchanges, but Walker remained the biggest threat, continuing to knock down crucial baskets to preserve the slim advantage.
In the final minutes, A+ Consulting cut the deficit after Robles drained two straight shots, followed by another bucket from Sanchez. Fortunately for HBR/The Game, Atan stepped up, sinking three shots — including a three-pointer — to secure the lead just long enough for the clock to run out, as HBR/The Game escaped with the win, 74-73.
Also joining the winner’s circle were Yuman/Jacob’s, who defeated Evian/JCME, 68-61, and New Summit LLC, who trounced Red Eye Rebel/Compadres, 81-61.
HBR/The Game’s Freddy Pelisamen attempts a hook shot over a defender during a game against A+ Consulting in the upper bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Ada gym on Sunday.
HBR/The Game’s Wesley Walker rises for the finish during a game against A+ Consulting in the upper bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
