K2 Ballerz’s Jerald Mamis extends for the finish as Martech Ol’Aces’ Kevin Kabiriel attempts the chase down block during a Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League game Monday at the Civic Center basketball court.
Martech Ol’Aces’ Jack Lizama pulls up for the shot over a defender during a Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League game Monday at the Civic Center basketball court.
THE Game and the Martech Ol’Aces reached the semifinals of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League by eliminating their respective foes Monday at the Civic Center basketball court.
The Game came out victorious over the favored Ali’i, 80-76.
The Game’s Arnold Arellano and JC Ferrer were the leading scorers in the first five minutes with eight points combined. Although they kept Ali’i silent, their eagerness started to become a factor as they were too aggressive on defense and were called for several fouls which allowed Ali’i to slowly close the gap.
Fortunately, Matthew Richardson took over the spotlight with six points to keep The Game ahead, 21-16.
Ali’i managed to get out of the offensive drought in the second quarter with Jaymark de Guzman constantly attacking the rim alongside Elmer Esdrelon and Terrence Leung to close the gap, 36-37.
But Ali’i fell behind once again due to lack of firepower. They could rely only on de Guzman and Esdrelon but both were gradually overwhelmed by their much younger and quicker opposition.
Greg Deleon Guerrero and DJ Ong reignited The Game’s momentum while their team mates Steve King and Joe Sablan finished strong with a pair of triples to reestablish control, 66-54.
In the final quarter, Ali’i started to cook up another rally with Brendon Talania delivering back-to-back triples followed by successful finishes by Marlon de Dios and de Guzman. But the clock was not on their side, and The Game maintained enough distance to run away with the win, 80-76.
Martech Ol’Aces vs K2 Ballerz
The Martech Ol’Aces also advanced to the semifinals after crushing the K2 Ballerz, 94-66.
Douglas Schmidt of the Ol’Aces wreaked havoc from all sides of the floor. With countless steals and great assists, he fed Freddy Pelisamen and Kevin Kabiriel throughout the first half as their team seized the lead, 44-29.
With Aiferson Atan also firing at will, their the lead grew larger with the K2 Ballerz trailing by 30 at one point. They eventually waved the white flag and settled for defeat, 66-94.
