THE Blue Eagle secured a spot in the masters division championship of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League after stunning the Ol’Aces, 79-76, Thursday at the Civic Center basketball court.
The Blue Eagle fired up their morale right from the start as each player on the court delivered on the offensive end. Joel Javier ignited the run with the first two buckets while De Shawn Reign and Melvin Villarin followed suit. Jotzen Jandoc then notched seven straight points to give the Blue Eagle a double-digit lead, 25-6.
The Ol’Aces quickly got out of the gutter with Gino Libow and Romeo Iginoef picking up the pace with a total of 10 points while Peter Camacho and Chris George converted as well to cut the lead, 32-41.
But the Ol’Aces remained behind throughout the game.
The Blue Eagle’s Andrew Ashburn returned to the third canto with a purpose as he drilled two buckets in a row. These were followed by Jun Estolas’ triple.
The Ol’Aces fought back with George and Danny Joab at the frontline to further reduce the lead, 50-55.
The fight continued in the final quarter but with the Blue Eagle still in control as their entire lineup was consistent on offense led by Reign, Ashburna and Mark Francisco. They maintained the safe distance en route to victory, 79-76.
