Unity Trade’s Dan Chan takes the fadeaway shot against a defender during a game of the 2023 Pacific Saipan Promo Invitational Basketball League Thursday at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
Unity Trade’s Dhan Mateo protects the ball as he attempts to drive towards the basket during a game of the 2023 Pacific Saipan Promo Invitational Basketball League Thursday at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
UNITY Trade and the Guardians each earned their first win in the 2023 Pacific Saipan Promo Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Thursday.
Unity Trade were unmatched as they controlled the game from start to defeat the Eagles Team, 71-57.
In the opening quarter, Unity Trade’s Vince Rodriguez scored six straight points while teammate Jan De Vero delivered back-to-back triples to give their team the lead, 24-11.
In the second canto, Unity Trade’s Dhan Mateo, Dan Chan and Joy Dayrit took over the spotlight with 11 points combined to maintain a double-digit advantage, 37-25.
In the second half, the Eagles started to gain more confidence with Jonathan Ibajan taking over the third period while teammates Sam Darag and Bryant Ytac delivering the buckets in the fourth and final period.
But they could not stop Unity Trade’s onslaught led by Jan De Vero, who knocked down triples while Rodriguez took care of the inside action to seal the deal, 71-57.
Guardians vs Johnny’s Bar
The Guardians, for their part, outlasted Johnny’s Bar, 54-43.
Both teams seemed evenly matched in the first quarter. However, Johnny’s Bar lost their rhythm in the second quarter while the Guardians continued to thrive led by Jerome Directo who scored six straight points while teammates Erwin Lumanlan and Jomari Dela Cruz converted a triple each to push a double-digit gap, 33-20.
Johnny’s Bar fought back throughout the second half, thanks to Frank Bongolan, Buno Ren and Brian Lontoc. But the Guardians held on by using the clock to their advantage, eventually securing the win, 54-43.
