The Ol’Aces’ Gino Libuw finishes the reverse layup against Pepoy’s Cafe & Restaurant during a masters division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League at the Civic Center basketball court.
BLUE Haus have reached the championship round of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League’s masters division after defeating the Blue Eagle, 76-67, on Tuesday at the Civic Center basketball court.
From start to finish, both teams played as equals. The Blue Eagle’s Andrew Ashburn scored 10 points while Blue Haus’ Elmer Esdrelon and Mark Francisco delivered a pair of triples and sliced through the hoop to give their team the lead, 19-16.
But the Blue Eagle did not stray far behind as they showcased their long-range capabilities with Ashburn and Jun Estolas firing three three-pointers while Joel Javier punished the defense underneath the hoop for a 35-35 deadlock at halftime.
The break seemed to have worked in Blue Haus’ favor, however, as their strong defense doused Blue Eagle’s momentum. While the Blue Eagle had more misses than makes, Blue Haus’ Jr. Barrios found his stroke, knocking down three buckets from beyond the arc while Esdrelon and Alex Lauron scored within the paint to gain a comfortable lead, 57-49.
Despite the Blue Eagle’s efforts, they failed to stop Blue Haus’ onslaught. The Blue Haus knocked down each crucial shot — even from the free throw line when fouled — to remain in control en route to victory, 76-67.
Ol’Aces vs A’s Car Aircon
The Ol’Aces lived to fight another day as they came out victorious against A’s Car Aircon, 81-73.
The Ol’Aces established control early thanks to the all-around offensive skills of Dennis Mendiola who scored 11 points in the opening quarter to aid his team in gaining the lead, 25-17.
A’s Car Aircon tried to boost their morale throughout the next two quarters from within the perimeter as they relied on Cecelio Bisana and Jorge de Guzman’s ability to finish near the rim. But despite the dynamic duo’s consistency, the Ol’Aces’ extra firepower from the bench, such as Gino Libuw and Romeo Igineof, were enough to maintain the safe distance. The Ol’Aces then knocked down much-needed shots from the charity line to secure the win, 81-73.
