KOBLERVILLE claimed the U18 boys division championship of the 2022 Marianas Village Pride Basketball League by defeating Gualo Rai, 68-57, Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex.
Gualo Rai entered the opening half with confidence as Craig Padayao fired the first three buckets while Leo Naraja also delivered to keep the momentum burning.
However, Koblerville had an answer for nearly every shot made by Gualo Rai which committed several errors while Koblerville’s Airson Atan led the offense with 12 points to seize the lead.
Gualo Rai was saved by two consecutive three-pointers courtesy of Elijah Garcia and Naraja to trail by just two possessions, 27-29.
In the second half, Koblerville established dominance, silencing Gualo Rai for eight minutes, while Koblerville’s Tynk Basa and Matthew Lucas went on a scoring run for a 42-31 advantage.
Gualo Rai aimed for a quick comeback with Naraja and Elijah Garcia each draining a couple of triples each, but Koblerville continued to deliver clutch shots to remain at a comfortable distance en route to victory, 68-57.
In the battle for third place, Tanapag claimed the trophy by outlasting Dandan, 69-60. Gino Rasg and Frankie Satur were Tanapag’s top scorers with 19 and 18 points respectively.
The Koblerville players pose with their medals and the U18 boys division championship trophy during the 2022 Marianas Village Pride Basketball League awards ceremony on Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex.
Koblerville’s Airson Atan sizes up his defender during the U18 boys division championship game of the 2022 Marianas Village Pride Basketball League on Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex.
Koblerville’s Matthew Lucas extends for the finish during the U18 boys division championship game of the 2022 Marianas Village Pride Basketball League on Sunday at the TSL Sports Complex.
