The CK Saints pose for a photo during the opening ceremony of the 2023 Saipan MagaLahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Sunday.
THE CK Saints and the Easy Riders are off to a strong start in the open division of the Saipan MagaLahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League after trouncing their respective opponents Tuesday at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
The CK Saints’ team chemistry outshined the 670 Rollers, 79-48.
The CK Saints found their groove early. LJ Reyes acted as the fire starter sinking the first six points while Melvin Manibusan delivered six buckets of his own to give the CK Saints a double-digit lead.
670 Rollers Gino Asauo tried to build momentum with two triples, but the rest of the team struggled to find the bottom of the net while the CK Saints continued to deliver on the offensive end to further extend the deficit, 27-10.
More of the same was seen in the second half as the 670 Rollers continued down a rocky road while the CK Saints flourished with Eli Aughenbaugh, John Thongaran, and Luizi Reyes leading the highlight reel, 50-22.
Following the halftime break, the 670 Rollers returned to the court with more confidence led by Asauo, Jonathan Ong, and Theron Factor. But they could not close the distance as the CK Saints set a smooth sail to victory, 79-48.
Easy Riders vs Winners Group
The Easy Riders earned their first win thanks to a strong second half performance.
The Winners Group stayed close throughout the first two quarters, but they suddenly fell into a slump and were held to just five team points in the third canto, giving the Easy Riders an opportunity to gain a big lead, 44-28.
The Winners Group attempted a comeback, but the Easy Riders relied on the three-point line to remain in control en route to victory, 63-41.
