Starting slow, the Powerball quintet trailed its opponent for most of the first quarter before rallying to narrow the gap to three points, 12-15, entering the second period.
Rallying still, the Powerball squad led by Tobel, who poured in 17 of his game-high 28 points in the first half, erased the deficit to tie the score early in the second period. After a brief period where the two teams exchanged baskets, Powerball seized the momentum and was up by 2, 33-31, at the half.
But the momentum of Powerball was only short-lived as the NECO Group led by Brian unleashed a furious rally which put it ahead at the start of the third canto. The lead see-sawed back and forth as the two teams traded baskets. But the NECO quintet held its ground as it built a two-point advantage, 50-48, at the end of the 3rd quarter.
Finding itself trailing again, the Powerball five adjusted its plays and tightened its defenses in the final period as it hung on to beat the Neco Group.
Tobel topscored for WCTC with his 28 points, Richie added 11 markers, while Amaroy chipped in 9 points, all but one of which was made in the second half. Brian scored 24, Bon Bon added 11 points, and Charlie contributed 10 points in a losing effort for Neco Group, which lost its third in 8 games.
In the other games, the PNOC Optimax won over PNCC, 78-70, and SAA Crusaders drubbed MNRET, 101-58.
A tobacco, alcohol and drug-free program where violators are banned from participating in the event, the league is supervised by the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF).
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