HBR and Team Marianas defeated their respective opponents in the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League Thursday at the TSL Sports Complex.
HBR delivered in clutch time to edge 670 Gravity 79-77.
HBR established control early in the game thanks to their teamwork. Once HBR’s Erick Leon found his stroke he could not be stopped as he led his team with seven points for an 18-11 lead.
But 670 Gravity fought back in the second canto. They managed to flip the script by moving the ball around and creating several shot opportunities with Ronald Bernardo acting as the sparkplug as he fired six consecutive points. With Alfred Tabora and Joseph Torres also contributing, the team pulled off an offensive run that reduced the deficit, 36-39.
670 Gravity continued to deliver in the third quarter, but they still trailed because they could not stop HBR’s productivity.
670 Gravity tried to tighten their defense but it came at a cost as they fell into foul trouble, allowing HBR to chip in points from the charity line and remain in the lead, 59-54.
In the final quarter, both teams gave it their all with 670 Gravity slowly closing the distance. Fortunately for HBR, Jerome Reyes stepped up during the last possession of the game and used his strength to force his way underneath the rim, connect the shot and draw the foul for a game-winning, three-point play.
Team Marianas vs Paradise Realty
Team Marianas, for their part, dominated Paradise Realty, 87-55
Team Marianas’ biggest advantage was their team chemistry and it showed as they seized an early lead and never gave their opponents a chance to rally.
Team Marianas’ Jeffrey Castro, Chioni Dela Cruz and Jack Aranda led the offense with double-digit points.
HBR team members pose with their muse during the opening ceremony of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League on Feb. 19, 2022 at the TSL Sports Complex.
