Jr. Nationals showed Southern Sonics who was the boss in the hardcourt on Monday’s game at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, crafting a 53-42 victory.
“This is it.” Aguon told Variety, referring to his seven cagers. “We’re relying on hope…”
Jericho Cruz led the juniors to their first win in the opening day of the playoff series, and Sonics were not able to stop him on his tracks.
Cruz practically spread himself inside the zone by dominating the basket for the needed points.
Cruz pulled 21 point-total in the entire game amidst whirlwind of a defense demonstrated by Sonics.
He ruled the first quarter of play for the Jr. Nationals, putting in half of his total score in it.
His fellow Jr. Nationals went for quick two pointers down the court to break Sonics’ prized-defense and vigorous offense.
Marvin Rabauliman, and Dimps White encountered a few blocks from Sonics as they push their way near the basket.
Allen Moses, Rabauliman, and White helped in firing shots under the basket.
Somehow, the southern cagers had a hard time posting under the basket due to equally heavy defensive stand of Jr. Nationals.
The most Sonics could do was throw Tristan Ecalnea in the game and make him shoot inside the perimeter.
Ecalnea made only 12 points for Sonics and fell short of pulling his team out of the losing end.
Bryan Ajoste did what he can in the match, firing nine points in the whole game.
In the end nothing can be sweet for Jr. Nationals for winning the opening game of the league’s playoff series, knowing they only have half of the number of players compared against the rest of the teams in the Rotary youth caging league.
But Jr. Nationals still have to go through the test of fire as the other teams advance to the finals.
The six members of Jr. Nationals who played last time were Marvin Rabauliman, Joseph “Dimps” White, Heartim Williams, Allen Moses, Jericho Cruz, and John Villagomez.
Scores:
Jr. Nationals – 53: Marvin Rabauliman – 6; Dimps White – 13; Heartim Williams – 4; Allen Moses – 9; and Jericho Cruz – 21.
Sonics – 42: Bryan Ajoste – 9; Noel Soria – 3; Tristan Ecalnea – 12; Bryan Chan – 1; Alvin Salas – 5; Leo Galarse – 4; and Mike Eclevia – 8.
