G-Stars beat Kontenders, 63-62, and now G-Stars have to face off with the winningest team in the league – Junior Nationals for the semi-final round.
Nate Mateo of G-Stars came in handy for his team as he shot a total of 25 points, bringing his squad closer to championship.
Mateo practically opened the first two-point shot for G-Stars and closed the game with a two-pointer, allowing G-Stars to steal a win from Kontenders who are equally thirsty for the championship crown.
The entire game saw a neck-and-neck match for G-Stars and Kontenders as they climb up the scoreboard, tying their team points several times along the way.
G-Stars lost the initial period to Kontenders with a score of 39-41.
Thanks to Kontenders’ Mailau Powee who crafted two points in the final seconds of the period.
However, G-Stars did not lose energy in the second quarter as they try to pound Kontenders with shots under the basket and around the perimeter.
Lia Rangamar took care of the perimeter, while Nate Mateo dug deep into the Kontenders’ zone to convert some points.
Mateo scored three points behind the arc and followed through with a quick two-pointer to the score at 47.
Dan Mateo assisted in the offense with his short series of two-pointers down the court to maintain G-Stars’ in the race until the final minutes of the game.
When the match got tied at 62, a foul was committed on the floor, calling for Dan Mateo to take two free throw shots.
Mateo sank one basket, leaving Kontenders down to a one point deficit.
In the end, Kontenders lost time to make a good connection to the basket, unable to respond with a two-point shot.
Scores:
G-Stars – 63: Dan Mateo – 16; Joe Jung – 4; Nate Mateo – 25; Lia Rangamar – 11; Sylvan Rangamar – 2; Clayton Kenty – 4; and Ryan Ichihara – 1.
Kontenders – 62: Wayne Dowei – 6; Eugene Ogumoro – 14; Jester Kaipat – 21; Soane Pua – 12; Trevor Ogumoro – 1; and Mailau Pomee – 6.
