By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
CHCC and Priority Care both secured pivotal victories during Monday night’s games in the 2026 Priority Care Inter Business/Government League, moving one step closer to a title shot.
CHCC remains unbeaten in the playoffs after pulling off an 88-85 overtime victory against Tan Holdings in a nail-biter.
It was a seesaw battle, with the lead changing hands several times throughout the game. CHCC took control early in the opening quarter, using its size advantage to score inside the paint. Mike Ito provided the initial spark, knocking down two baskets, while Jawn Joyner and Sean Apasan later combined for 14 points to establish a double-digit lead, 28-14.
Tan Holdings, however, quickly responded in the second quarter. Shaolin Jugos and Gino Andon led the charge, proving to be constant threats both inside and beyond the arc. The duo combined for 23 points in the period, helping Tan Holdings outscore CHCC and take a slim 40-37 lead at halftime.
Both teams continued to trade blows in the second half.
In the third quarter, CHCC regained its rhythm as Tristan Montes and Jack Lizama found their shooting touch from the perimeter, while Ito used his speed to penetrate the defense. Their efforts allowed CHCC to reclaim the advantage, 58-53, heading into the final period.
Tan Holdings refused to back down. Early in the fourth quarter, Andon caught fire, scoring eight consecutive points to tie the game. Down the stretch, he remained aggressive by drawing fouls and converting from the free-throw line, while Lizama was forced to sit due to foul trouble. A clutch basket by Andon, followed by Joseph Magofna splitting a pair of free throws, tied the game at 76-76 and forced overtime.
In the extra period, Tan Holdings was hampered by foul trouble, with key scorers Andon, Jugos, and Magofna spending crucial minutes on the bench. CHCC capitalized, as Tristan Montes stepped up and delivered eight points in overtime to secure the 88-85 victory and eliminate Tan Holdings.
All cylinders
In the second game of the night, Priority Care pulled away late to defeat Marpac, 89-76.
Marpac came out strong, with its offense firing on all cylinders in the first quarter behind Jeffrey Castro, Francisco Mettao, and Chioni Dela Cruz. Coby Santos added 10 points in the second quarter, helping Marpac build a 49-36 lead at halftime as Priority Care struggled to find answers.
Those answers came in the third quarter.
With improved defensive rotations and better ball movement, Priority Care began to dictate the pace. Steve King led the rally with four three-pointers, while Brandon Maratita and Airson Atan added two more each, allowing Priority Care to take its first lead of the game, 63-62.
The momentum carried into the fourth quarter, as Priority Care maintained its pressure on both ends of the floor. Marvin Rabauliman anchored the offense and controlled the boards, limiting Marpac’s second-chance opportunities. Meanwhile, King, Atan, and Emmanuel Bondad delivered timely baskets to extend the lead and seal the 89-76 win.
With the victory, Priority Care has already secured its spot in the championship round.
The remaining teams will continue their playoff battle on Thursday, when CHCC (1-1) faces PSS (1-1). The winner will advance to take on Marpac in the semifinal on Saturday, with the victor earning a championship showdown against undefeated Priority Care on Monday.
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.
