By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
THE playoffs of the 2026 Priority Care Inter-Business/Government League kicked off Monday night, with CHCC and PSS coming out victorious against their respective opponents at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
CHCC was the first team to secure a win in the double-elimination playoffs after edging Customs, 62-60.
CHCC jumped out to an early lead thanks to the hustle of Mike Ito and John James Taman, who each put up a couple of buckets to help the team hold a one-possession lead, 14-12.
However, Customs found its rhythm in the second frame, led by Jude Tengco’s all-around performance and 10 points. Along with the help of Don Teregeyo battling on the boards to create second-chance buckets and a clutch triple by Aurel Mendiola, Customs managed to take the advantage by halftime, 31-25.
The second half saw the action intensify as both teams vied for control.
CHCC clamped down defensively, looking to halt Customs’ momentum while Tristan Montes, Sean Apasan, and James Phillips powered its offensive run. Despite their efforts, Customs continued to hold down the fort with Teregeyo and Tengco up front to keep the team afloat, 44-41.
Unfortunately for Customs, its hopes slowly deteriorated throughout the fourth quarter. Orchestrated by the vision and scoring ability of Jack Lizama, along with Apasan and Montes, CHCC began to chip away at the deficit and eventually regained control of the lead. Customs’ Paul Quizon and Teregeyo attempted to keep the team alive but could only do so much, eventually falling to CHCC, 62-60.
PSS also joined the night’s winners after defeating CPA, 80-57.
The first half was relatively competitive, with PSS holding a narrow 40-35 lead at the break. CPA stayed in the hunt thanks to the efforts of Michael Mancao, Zack Diaz, and Greg Deleon Guerrero. However, foul trouble began to plague CPA early, with Diaz racking up personals that limited the team’s aggressiveness.
In the third quarter, PSS blew the game open. Its transition offense, spearheaded by Melvin Sakisat and Mii Tekupua, overwhelmed the CPA defense, with PSS pulling away in each passing quarter en route to an 80-57 blowout victory.
James Sablan has been a sports reporter for Variety since 2013. He was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College and covers all local sports.
