(PR) – In a thrilling matchup, the Guam Nationals defeated the KFC Bombers 120-117 in double overtime. The Nationals led most of the game, but the Bombers rallied in the fourth quarter to force overtime.
The first quarter was closely contested, with both teams feeling each other out. The Nationals took a 29-24 lead after 10 minutes. They extended their advantage in the second quarter, scoring 29 points while holding the Bombers to 17, taking a 58-41 lead at halftime.
The third quarter was more even, with the Bombers outscoring the Nationals 27-26. The game became physical and intense, with several technical fouls called for on-court altercations. The Nationals maintained a comfortable 84-68 lead heading into the fourth quarter.
AJ Grape, a former Guam Nationals player now with the KFC Bombers, dominated the fourth period, scoring 13 points to rally his team. In the final seconds, the Bombers briefly took a 100-98 lead. Joe Blas of the Nationals then drove to the basket, was fouled, and went to the line with 0.3 seconds left.
Blas’ first free throw hit the front rim, bounced off the backboard, and went in, cutting the Bombers’ lead to 100-99. He made the second free throw to force overtime.
Both teams battled evenly in the first overtime, leading to a second overtime. In the second OT, the Bombers missed crucial free throws, and the Nationals pulled ahead by five points. KFC failed to convert a final three-pointer, allowing the Nationals to escape with a 120-117 victory.
The Nationals were led by Joe Blas with 36 points and Mark Johnson with 30. AJ Grape led the Bombers with 23 points, while Darryn Daniels added 21.
With the win, the Guam Nationals improved to 7-0 in the Triton League and will be the No. 1 seed in the playoffs starting December 2, facing the No. 8 seed UOG Tritons. The KFC Bombers are 6-1 and will be the No. 2 seed, with their first-round opponent to be determined after Monday’s final regular-season games.
