Jr. Nationals crushed G-Stars’ hope of securing a place for the championship after the latter run short of shots in the final minutes of play and committed some errors on the floor.
G-Stars lost to Jr. Nationals, 64-53, in a clash of will and perseverance.
Juniors went on with their usual flair down the basket, pressing hard on their offense.
Jericho Cruz was determined to push the juniors’ game to the limit without giving in to G-Stars’ equally adept ball-handling and good defensive posture.
Cruz made a total of 30 points in the entire game – the highest score in his team, and even among G-Star players.
But the match itself was very tight in coming as G-Stars squad gave a strong defense around the perimeter and showed enough speed and agility under the basket.
The two Mateos, Nate and Dan, of G-
Stars committed a combined total score of 24 points for their team, hoping to secure a spot for the championship.
But Jr. Nationals foiled their plan inside the zone by setting up a tight defense to prevent possible shots.
They were successful at their attempt, with Cruz positioning low to get close to connect to the basket.
Cruz was responsible for the bringing Jr. Nationals to lead by as much as nine points in the second quarter.
Cruz tried for a series of two-pointers after his team reached 53 points in the period, while G-Stars were locked at 52.
The most Nate Mateo of G-Stars did for his team was bring in one charity shot in the final minutes. However, after such contribution, nobody from the team was able to follow through with more baskets to continue on with their active offense during the first quarter.
The shining moment G-Stars were waiting for did not occur with dark clouds covering their luster.
Rabauliman sealed the match for Jr. Nationals with his easy two-sinker in the basket.
Jr. Nationals is now up to challenge G-Rollers I in the Rotary youth caging championship on Thursday at the Ada Gym.
Scores:
Jr. Nationals – 64: Rabauliman -19; Dimps White – 4; Hartim Williams 4; Allen Moses – 7; and Cruz – 30.
G-Stars – 53: N. Mateo – 13; Dan Mateo – 11; Dino Palacios – 7; Clayton Kenty – 5; Lia Rangamar – 7; Sean Sablan – 2; Sylvan Rangamar – 2; and Juan Iguel -4.
