Alliana’s Jobert Meriales, left, the regular season MVP of the 2023 Pacific Saipan Invitational Basketball League, poses with league organizer Sonny Ebuen at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Wednesday.
The Mythical Five awardees pose for a photo during the awards ceremony of the 2023 Pacific Saipan Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Wednesday.
THE Guardians defeated Bourbon Bar & Cafe, 81-65, to clinch third place in the 2023 Pacific Saipan Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Wednesday.
The championship was won by Alliana’s in an epic game against the Team Legends, 63-59, also on Wednesday.
In the battle for third-place, the Guardians established control in the opening quarter. Jomari Dela Cruz started the run with a three-pointer while Jerome Directo kept the fuel burning with 10 points to give the Guardians a comfortable 23-15 lead.
Directo eventually needed a breather, but the Guardians remained in control as Richard Peredo took over the second canto with nine points for a double-digit lead, 48-29.
Bourbon’s biggest run came during the second half of the game with Marlon Binuya scoring 11 out of his team’s 15 points in the third quarter while teammates July Narciso and Roi Esmores delivered the buckets in the fourth and final quarter to keep them in the game.
Their defense, however, remained ineffective as the Guardians’ Manuel Gatbunton and Peredo led their team throughout the second half to secure the win, 81-65, and clinch the third-place title.
Individual awards
After the games were concluded, the award ceremony followed with awards given to the teams and the league’s outstanding players.
The Mythical Five awardees were guards Jomar Tengco and Jerome Directo, forwards Marlon Binuya and Jimboy Tabora, and center Jobert Meriales.
The season MVP was Alliana’s Jobert Meriales while the Finals MVP award went to his teammate, Jomar Tengco.
Alliana’s Ohla Tengco was named the Best Coach. Team captain Mark Mauguina received the award on Tengco’s behalf.
Johnny’s Bar & Grill, for its part, received the Sportsmanship Award.
