TEAM Kio and Rampage have secured their spots in the finals of the 2021 Tinian Islandwide Men’s Bud Light Basketball League after defeating their respective adversaries Monday at the Tinian Multi-Purpose Gymnasium.
Kio managed to run away with the victory against team CNMI 97-82.
It was a seesaw battle with the CNMI taking over the first quarter. Teamwork was also showcased as nearly all of the players contributed points. John Santos found his range from beyond the arc, sinking two triples while Anthony Borja and Louise Maligson delivered eight and seven points to give the CNMI the lead, 29-22.
But in the second canto, Kio suddenly caught fire with Dustin Sablan draining four consecutive three-pointers while team mate Robert Reyes contributed six points to give Kio the lead, 55-48.
Thanks to the defensive efforts of Paka Sablan and Kim King, the team managed to stay ahead throughout the second half.
Dennis Borja seemed to be the only player able to step up for the CNMI, but without enough firepower, they could not match Kio’s Reyes who sank 11 points in the final quarter to secure the win for his team, 97-82.
Rampage vs Devil Dog Warriors
Rampage was the other team to make it to the finals after besting the Devil Dog Warriors, 65-58.
It was a low-scoring game but that did not stop both teams from putting on a show.
Rampage’s Wesley Walker made an impact early in the game, scoring 14 points alone in the first quarter to put his team ahead 26-11.
Although the Warriors managed to reduce Walker’s production, the team still needed to do more work.
Montgomery of the Warriors exploded in the third quarter with 10 points, but they could not stop the Rampage whose players eventually sealed victory 65-58.
Kio and Rampage will vie for the championship this Friday while the CNMI and Devil Dog will square off for third place.
CNMI and Kio players jump for the possession during the start of their semifinal game in the 2021 Islandwide Men’s Bud Light Basketball Tournament Monday at the Tinian Multi-Purpose Gymnasium.
