Jr. Nationals overpowered Sixers, 89-74, in a battle of will and determination last week as both teams grapple for the 2nd spot in the league standings.
With its recent win, Jr. Nationals went on to tally six wins and zero loss, while Sixers carry six wins and one loss.
Jericho Cruz of Jr. Nationals fired a total of 32 points; unrelenting to the Sixers’ pressure to give in.
But Jr. Nationals sent a clear message to Sixers from the beginning of play that they will finish the match despite having only six players in its rosters.
Jr. Nationals have been playing in the rotary caging using their CNMI jersey, which they used in the recent FIBA Oceania Youth Basketball Tournament on Guam.
The first quarter witnessed Ian Benavente firing two points, allowing Sixers to lead by one point.
Sixers tried to prevent Jr. Nationals from forming a heavy defense in their zone, capitalizing on fastbreaks whenever opportunities arise.
However, such feat seldom connected to the basket due to miscalculated lay ups and unsuccessful passes.
On the other hand, Cruz’ of Jr. Nationals was unforgiving in the hardcourt – he fired points after points via fastbreak with the help of Joseph White and Heartim Williams.
White tried to fashion several blind passes and steals in the game, allowing Jr. Nationals to catch up on the scoreboard.
The juniors tried to rush things up by cooking their own recipe of fastbreaks.
Fortunately for Jr. Nationals, these fastbreaks were eventually translated to needed points.
Sixers resorted to harass and steal, but this effort allowed them only to get as far as 74 points in the second quarter.
Jr. Nationals continued their barrage of shots through the Sixers defense, until they saw some openings wherein possible baskets can be made.
Jr. Nationals squad prevented the onslaught of Joe Ada of Sixers from creating more than 35 points in the game by building a tight defensive play.
Rightly so, Ada’s movement inside the painted area was regulated by the juniors who went on to tally 89 points as the final score for Jr. Nationals.
Scores:
Jr. Nationals – 89: John Villagomez – 4; Cruz – 32; Allen Moses – 14; Jose Castro – 19; White – 20; and Williams 4.
Sixers – 74: Ernest Duenas – 17; Matt Duenas – 16; Ada – 35; Benavente – 6; and Nate Flores – 2.
