The Martech Ol’Aces’ Kelvin Fitial takes the uncontested shot against The Game during an open division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League Wednesday at the Civic Center basketball court.
The Martech Ol’Aces’ Tyrik Basa protects the ball as he drives between two defenders of The Game during an open division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League Wednesday at the Civic Center basketball court.
THE Martech Ol’Aces will seek redemption in their rematch against New Chang Ming for the open division championship title of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League.
The Ol’Aces reached the championship round after outhustling The Game, 84-73, Wednesday night at the Civic Center basketball court.
The opening quarter was highlighted by several lead exchanges. The Game focused on high-percentage shots with Greg Deleon Guerrero and DJ Ong making their presence known from around the perimeter where they scored eight and four points while Arnold Arellano punished the defense from underneath the rim to add four points.
For their part, the Ol’Aces applied constant offensive pressure, and with the help of Preston Basa’s two three-pointers, they gained the lead, 24-20.
Defense also played a huge factor in the Ol’Aces’ strategy throughout the second and third periods.
Midway through the second canto, their full-court pressure defense overwhelmed The Game who struggled to bring most of their possessions past the half-court marker, handing the Ol’Aces several uncontested shots courtesy of Kevin Kabiriel and Tyrik Basa.
The Ol’Aces’ lead continued to grow in the third quarter as Preston Basa picked up where he left off with his third triple while forwards Kelvin Fitial and Jack Lizama used their height and strength to muscle their way to the hoop for a 67-51 lead.
Despite the huge deficit, The Game did not wave the white flag. In the fourth and final quarter, Greg and Joe Sablan at the frontline provided a steady all-around output, but the Ol’Aces used the clock to their advantage to maintain the safe distance in addition to back-to-back three-pointers to seal the deal, 84-73.
Next week, the Martech Ol’Aces will face New Chang Ming for the open division title.
