The Knights’ 53-47 win over Saipan International School will grant them a chance to compete in today’s championship round at the TSL Sports Complex in Gualo Rai.
Richard Wang and the Geckos led by four points in the final quarter but faced a stronger defense from MCS.
“We started playing hard defense, we started getting transition baskets, and we started getting our shots in,” Mount Carmel’s team captain Kevin Bautista told Variety yesterday.
Cabaltica scored six points in the final minutes while Kim and Matthew Igitol added four apiece to rescue the Knights.
SIS’ Richard Wang — landing 18 points — struggled for possession again and again and lost the rebound to John Griffin. Josh Borja drove in for a shot, but was blocked by Jae Yong Yoon near the three-point line.
“They (SIS) brought the best out of us and we love this kind of competition. They were a great team,” noted Bautista.
The Knights pulled away with a 50-45 lead and benefited from three turnovers.
Saipan International school’s Vince He and Jack Liu scored eight points each, Harrison Smith bagged seven, and Borja tallied six.
Scores:
Mount Carmel School 53 – M. Kim 18, R. Cabaltica 17, M. Igitol 10, J. Griffin 4, J. Yoon 2, G. Baka 2
Saipan International School 47 – R. Wang 18, V. He 8, J. Liu 8, H. Smith 7, J. Borja 4, J. Lee 2
Quarterscores: 15-11, 27-31, 37-41, 53-47
