The players of Mekus pose for a group photo during the opening ceremony of the 2nd SMEC-SMLEG Basketball Tournament 2024 at the Ada gym on Sunday.
MEKUS and Unity Trade joined the list of debut winners in the open division of the 2nd Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club – Saipan MagaHaga Lady Eagles Group Basketball Tournament 2024 as they bested their respective adversaries at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
Mekus emerged victorious against Akkari 2, 78-71.
The first half was filled with several lead exchanges as both teams traded buckets.
Padayao sparked the offensive run for Akkari 2 with two consecutive makes while Cruz caught the heat as he punished defenders with eight straight points within the next 10 minutes.
Mekus’ Madreo responded with four straight buckets and, with the help of Hipolito, who chimed in from beyond the arc, the scoring duo combined for 20 points amid several lead exchanges, ending the first half in a 39-39 deadlock.
Thanks to its more experienced players, Mekus played by their strengths and minimized turnovers. They also prevented Cruz from getting close to the rim. Akarri 2’s Factor and Viana had to step up with clutch shots to maintain a one-possession deficit.
But Madreo had an answer for every shot that Akarri 2 made as well as every shot missed, and with the help of Ramo and Hipolito, they pulled away en route to victory, 78-71.
Unity Trade vs CTSI-Friendly Market
Unity Trade earned their first win by thrashing CTSI-Friendly Market, 85-59.
Defense was the trump card for Unity Trade as they constantly forced turnovers and capitalized on the other end led by Schmidt and Deleon Guerrero to push an eight-point lead, 37-29.
CTSI’s offense was fueled by Enano, Hizon, and Apasan, but errors prevented the team from moving forward.
In the second half, Unity Trade’s Camacho and Ferrer joined the offensive run that ended in a blowout victory, 85-59.
Scores
Mekus 78 – Madreo 27, Ramo 18, Buenaventura 5, Hipolito 16, Nierves 2, Veras 2, Carausan 3, Estimada 3, Antonio 2
Akkari 2 71 – Padayao 18, Cruz 16, Viana 15, Factor 7, Eugenio 4, Kapwich 4, Raquepo 3, Lukas 2, Ong 2
***
Unity Trade 85 – Schmidt 35, Deleon Guerrero 12, Lizama 9, De Vero 8, Ferrer 7, Camacho 4, C. De Vero 4, Esdrelon 4, Gontar 2,
CTSI-Friendly Market 59 – Apasan 9, Tengco 9, Villarin 8, Hizon 7, Licayan 7, Enano 6, Robles 6, Medina 3, Ashburn 2, Redondo 2, Bravo 2
