By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
MARPAC secured its spot in the finals of the 2026 Priority Care Business/Government League on Saturday, April 11, after holding off a late CHCC comeback, 82-73, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
The opening quarter was a defensive back-and-forth, with both teams trading baskets throughout the period.
Marpac was led by Jeffrey Castro, who scored six points in the first 10 minutes, while Coby Santos added back-to-back three-pointers to help his team take an early edge.
CHCC responded behind Mike Ito, who sparked the offense with six straight points. Jawn Joyner and Tristan Montes added inside scoring to help force an 18-18 tie at the end of the first quarter.
The seesaw battle continued in the second period, with Marpac gaining a slight advantage at the free-throw line after drawing several fouls. CHCC, however, kept pace as Sean Apasan helped the team match Marpac to another deadlock, this time at 35-35.
Marpac took control in the third quarter, pulling away behind transition scoring and perimeter shooting from Santos, John Babauta and Chioni Dela Cruz. The surge powered a 27-14 run that gave Marpac control of the game.
CHCC mounted a fourth-quarter push, cutting into the deficit behind Montes and Apasan, who continued to score inside with consistency.
But Marpac held firm down the stretch, with Dela Cruz delivering key baskets, including a late three-pointer, to seal the victory and a place in the finals against Priority Care.
The championship game schedule will be announced later due to ongoing recovery work at the Ada gym.
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.
