By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
EVIAN/JCME recorded their first win in the upper bracket of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club 3rd Season Invitational Basketball League 2025 on Sunday, outscoring Red Eye Rebel/Compadres, 84-65, at the TSL Sports Complex.
After a scoreless opening minute, Evian’s Chioni Dela Cruz broke the silence with the first seven points, including back-to-back treys, to take the early lead. Red Eye Rebel struggled to find their rhythm but eventually got going, with Jeffrey Victoria and Tristan Movilla contributing seven and six points, respectively.
Jhun Tabora and Francisco Gutierrez came off the bench to inject energy, but they struggled to control the boards and create second-chance opportunities. Evian capitalized on transitions, turning defensive rebounds into fast-break points, with Keith Santos and Ervin Villarin leading the charge. Dela Cruz later returned, adding nine more points to extend the lead to 40-31 at halftime.
Evian maintained their dominance throughout the second half. Coby Santos and Villarin hit consecutive triples to stretch the gap, while Jepoy Tabora, Movilla, and Orosco tried to keep Red Eye Rebel in the game but continued to lose the battle on the boards.
In the final minutes, Dela Cruz and Rodel Pastrana combined for 18 points, sealing Evian’s smooth 84-65 victory.
Elsewhere in the upper bracket, HBR/The Game edged Yuman/Jacob’s/Fitfam, 61-60, while A Plus Consulting defeated The New Summit LLC, 102-62, joining the winner’s circle.
Scores
Evian/JCME 84 – Chioni Dela Cruz 28, Ervin Villarin 15, Keith Santos 11, Coby Santos 11, Nikko Mejerito 4, Tony Kim 3, Mi’i Tekopua 2, Ko Mizutani 2
Red Eye Rebel/Compadres 65 – Tristan Movilla 16, Jeffrey Victoria 14, Jepoy Tabora 13, Orosco 7, Jhun Tabora 7, Francisco Gutierrez 4, Emman Tabora 1
