LAKAY beat the top contender Marianas 97-91 in game 1 of their best-of-three championship series in the open division of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League on Saturday at the TSL Sports Complex.
Lakay’s Jandoc attempts the reverse layup during an open division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League at the TSL Sports Complex.
Lakay were the underdogs and seemed to be just that as Marianas took control of the first half.
But Lakay’s defense, paired with unselfish ball movement, kept them in the game with Escano and Rabauliman scoring eight and six points each while team mate Basa delivered seven points.
Marianas’ Santos led his team with two triples while Dela Cruz, Brennan and Augenbaugh chipped in for a one-possession lead, 27-25.
In the second canto, Lakay’s teamwork allowed them to remain afloat, but Marianas also continued to score as Augenbaugh, Naraja and Santos sank shots from beyond the arc to maintain control, 51-48.
In the third quarter, Lakay tightened their defense, forcing Marianas to commit a handful of turnovers.
Turning defense into offense, Lakay’s Basa and Jandoc orchestrated the assault with three-point highlights while keeping Marianas off-balance to snatch the lead 70-69.
With only Dela Cruz and Santos able to penetrate through the defense in the final quarter, Marianas fell short as Lakay cruised to victory, 97-91.
Game 2 of the series will be played Tuesday, May 10, at the Civic Center basketball court.
