VIZION Insurance successfully defended their title by overpowering Beto, 108-67, in the season 2 finale of the Destroyers Basketball Club Friendly Game Tournament at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday night.
Defense was one of the biggest factors in Vizion’s victory.
In the first half, Vizion quickly made their presence known on the defensive end as they protected their turf to near perfection with every shot contested. They then turned each successful stop into a made bucket on the other end with Vinz Rodriguez and Christian Bravo leading the run with 17 and 12 points, respectively.
Jomer Espinueva and Keith Santos tried to keep Beto’s hopes alive, but with the lack of help on the offensive end, they had little to no effect on the opposing team as Beto trailed 23-51 by halftime.
Led by Espinueva and Santos Beto’s point production doubled in the second half. Teammates Ricardo Guinoo and Allan Hermosa joined the long-range bombardment with a couple of triples each while Darrel Alviz attacked from within.
However, Vizion could not be stopped as its starting five started to find their rhythm. Alex Robles took over the spotlight with 22 points while Mii Poksu dominated the board to create second chance buckets and transition plays.
With Vizion on the verge of victory, Rico Morales was given the opportunity to take the spotlight. He did not disappoint as he scored seven points during the last two minutes of the game to end the night with a bang as Vizion trounced Beto, 108-67.
Among Vizion’s players, it was Alex Robles who led his team to back-to-back titles. “I just did what I could for our team to win,”
he said. “I distributed the ball, but we also talked about having good defense because Beto is a good team. We just did our best as a team and had great teamwork, that’s why we’re champions.”
Robles said the league “was fun and enjoyable. There were a lot of good teams this season, so we also improved our game.”
He said the addition of Christian Bravo was another reason why they are the champions once again.
The league committee, for its part, would like to recognize and thank the participating teams, referees, officials and all the viewers and fans as well as Marianas Variety and Saipan Tribune for the continued support.
The results of the consolation games will be featured in the next edition of Variety.
Scores
Vizion Insurance 108 – Alex Robles 30, Vinz Rodriguez 27, Christian Bravo 16, Mii Poksu 15, Dindo Pablo 10, Rico Morales 7, Arnold Arboleda 3
Beto 67 – Keith Santos 22, Jhomer Espinueva 22, Ricardo Guinoo 8, JR Espinueva 5, Allan Hermosa 6, Darrel Alviz 4
Vizion Insurance players pose with their 2nd championship trophy during the awards ceremony at the conclusion of season 2 of the Destroyers Basketball Club Friendly Game Tournament at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday night.
Vizion Insurance’s Rico Morales takes the three-point shot during the championship game against Beto in the Destroyers Basketball Club Friendly Game Tournament at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday night.
Vizion Insurance’s Dindo Pablo extends for the fastbreak finish during the championship game against Beto in the Destroyers Basketball Club Friendly Game Tournament at the TSL Sports Complex on Sunday night.
