KIM’S/Ace’s Barbers are on a roll, securing their third consecutive win with a 63-54 victory over JIL 2 in the lower bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday night.
It was a tight matchup, with both teams trading buckets throughout the night.
In the opening half, Kim’s/Ace’s came out firing, led by Edgar Agustin who drained three straight treys. Rey Olopai chipped in with a three-pointer and a close-range basket to give his team early momentum.
JIL 2 countered with teamwork and balanced scoring. Melvin Castillo and Richard Mendoza knocked down back-to-back triples, while Lowie Ocampo and Jovert Meriales attacked the rim and drew fouls to close the gap. Their efforts paid off as JIL 2 grabbed a 32-30 lead at halftime.
But Kim’s/Ace’s quickly regained control in the second half. Stephen Alonzo sparked the rally with a three-pointer, followed by four points from Bryan Bernardo and another triple from Jeff Che.
Although JIL 2 tried to respond behind Ocampo and Marlon Castillo, they struggled against Kim’s defensive pressure. A series of rushed shots and turnovers fueled transition opportunities for Kim’s/Ace’s, who steadily pulled away.
Esmores, Bernardo, and Rodmar Diaz sealed the win in the final minutes, lifting Kim’s/Ace’s Barbers to a 63-54 victory over JIL 2.
Also in the lower bracket, Unity Trade/Yabangis defeated JIL 1, 62-54.
JIL 2’s Leightley extends as he goes up for the contested shot during a game against Kim’s/Ace’s Barbers in the lower bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday night.
Ronald Esmores of Kim’s/Ace’s Barbers takes a mid-range jumper over a defender during a game against JIL 2 in the lower bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the TSL Sports Complex on Saturday night.
