ARCEE 9Eleven Hustlers are the number one team in the standings after powering past the 9Eleven DECM Wizards 8-5 on Tuesday at the 9Eleven Restobar.
The Hustlers lived up to their name as they had to hustle their way to victory in the Tuesday Division game of the Saipan Billiards Association Budweiser Open 8-Ball League Tournament.
At first, the Wizards were in control as Ed “Kaka” Mariano and Aljay Malang came out victorious in two of the three rounds of the opening singles 8-ball match to give their team the lead, 2-1.
But the Wizards’ reign was brief as the Hustlers fired back with Joey Lucido and Rowel “Cobra” Mariano teaming up to claim the first partners 8-ball match followed by a 2-1 run in the second singles 8-ball match to snatch control, 4-3.
The Wizards bounced back with Daniel Miranda and Malang bagging the single win in the second partners 8-ball match to tie the match, 4-4.
But the Hustlers quickly regained the advantage as Chester Hamoy and Albert Pangilinan grabbed two of the three rounds in the third singles 8-ball match to give their team the lead, 6-5.
Despite the Wizards’ fighting spirit, they failed to step up during crunch time as the Hustlers bagged the two remaining matches to triumph 8-5.
Last Shot/IT&E Destroyers vs Bamboo MJD Marianas Water
Joining the winner’s circle were the Last Shot/IT&E Destroyers who outscored Bamboo MJD Marianas Water, 8-5.
In the first round, the Destroyers launched an offensive led by Nolan Cultura and Jeff Garcia who bested their opponents in one-on-one matches to give the Destroyers the lead, 2-1.
The Destroyers’ Rolly Villanueva and RJ Mascarinas then won the partners 8-ball match as their team scored a 2-1 run in the second singles 8-Ball match and bagged another win in the second partners match to widen the Destroyers’ lead, 6-2.
Marianas Water then went on a 2-1 run courtesy of Jerry Soriano and Phil Kalen while team-mate Joseph Achas claimed the third partners 8-ball match.
But with only one round left, Marianas Water could not escape defeat as the Destroyers added the icing on the cake by winning the fourth and final partners 8-ball match to end the night with an 8-5 victory.
In the team standings, the Destroyers now share second place with Marianas Water, both with 57 total wins.
The third match of the night was claimed by Bamboo Club 88 Str8Ball which trounced the Last Shot Ball Breakers 9-4.
The 9Eleven DECM Wizards pose for a photo after a game in the Tuesday Division of the SBA Budweiser Open 8-Ball League at 9Eleven Restobar.
