Jericho Cruz bled 29 points in the game, driving through heavy defense of PNG.
Cruz posted 69.1 percent in field goals – his best performance after playing with Guam and New Caledonia.
CNMI lost to both teams in previous matches in lopsided defeats.
Cruz made 18 assists and seven steals, helping CNMI rise from its slumber in the benches.
CNMI’s Jayven Tarkong contributed 18 points from under the basket and within the perimeter.
Tarkong marked 52.9 percentage field goal attempts.
Also, Marvin Rabauliman, unleashed 15 points, launching 66.7 FG percentage.
Placing a tight defense, PNG cagers had a hard time penetrating the CNMI’s zone for some shots.
CNMI boys’ team now has one win and two losses in the tournament.
Scores:
CNMI – 93: William Babauta – 9; Jayven Tarkong – 18; Joseph White – 2; Jericho Cruz – 29; Jomary Tumaquip -4; allen Moses – 6; Antonio Borja – 10; and Marvin Rabauliman – 15.
PNG – 84: Jason Likius – 2; Khris Jahare – 7; Parari Muri – 29; Adrian Tade – 6; Steven Moha – 2; Ezekiel Vaieke – 14; James Ipasi – 4; and Mika Loko – 20.
