MARIANAS and the Suns opened their campaigns with victories in their debut games at the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 on Tuesday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Marianas, the defending champions, lived up to expectations as they gradually eased their way past Unity Trade, 82-72.
Both teams played as equals at first, filling the first half with several lead exchanges.
In the opening quarter, Unity Trade’s Daniel Madreo emerged as a key offensive threat, using his speed and ability to finish at the rim to score the team’s first two points. With all eyes on him, scoring opportunities opened up for teammates Justine Enano and Keith Santos, who contributed four and seven points, respectively, to give Unity Trade a slight 20-16 lead.
In the second period, Marianas began to figure out Unity Trade’s offense and responded with tighter defensive coverage that nearly shut down their scorers. Rodel Pastrana and Deshawn Reign came off the bench to provide support, but Unity Trade’s turnovers were punished with fastbreaks led by Marianas’ Mii Tekopua, Marvin Rabauliman, and Ervin Villarin, who helped their team take a 40-37 lead.
Things got worse for Unity Trade when Madreo went down with an injury and was forced to sit out the rest of the game. Without their primary spark and a key source of offense, Unity Trade struggled to keep up as Marianas took control. Airson Atan and Coby Santos ignited a third-quarter run with 11 and seven points, respectively, pushing the lead to double digits, 68-49.
Unity Trade continued to fight and mounted a late-game rally in the fourth and final quarter. Rodel Pastrana stepped up when it mattered most, scoring 10 points to help close the gap. But Marianas held firm, with Ervin Villarin responding with eight points to keep the lead out of reach and seal their first win of the season, 82-72.
Suns vs Akkari 2
The second game of the day was claimed by the Suns, which outlasted Akkari 2, 77-72.
Akkari 2 dominated the first half with speed and uncontested shots, heading into the halftime break with a comfortable 32-25 lead.
However, the Suns began leaning into their strengths and gradually mounted a comeback, led by Leo Galarse and Jude Tengco, to steal the win, 77-72.
Scores
Marianas 82 – Ervin Villarin 19, Marvin Rabauliman 13, Mii Tekopua 11, Airson Atan 11, Coby Santos 10, Aiferson Atan 8, Jack Lizama 4, Preston Basa 4, Douglas Schmidt 2
Unity Trade 72 – Rodel Pastrana 22, Keith Santos 15, Daniel Madreo 10, Elmer Esdrelon 9, Justine Enano 8, Deshawn Reign 2, Brendon Talania 2, Jerome Directo 2, Ivan De Vero 2
Unity Trade’s Keith Santos takes the contested shot against Marianas during an opening game of the NMIBF Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Marianas’ Marvin Rabauliman attempts to drive between two defenders during a game against Unity Trade in the NMIBF Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Marianas’ Jack Aranda protects the ball as he drives along the baseline during a game against Unity Trade in the NMIBF Michelob Ultra Cup 2025 at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
