By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
SPECTATORS at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium witnessed two nail-biting games Tuesday in the 2026 Priority Care Inter Business/Government League. Marpac survived a late-game comeback by Tan Holdings to stay atop the leaderboard, while PSS outlasted CPA to rise in the standings midway through the season.
The night’s second game came down to the wire, with undefeated Marpac narrowly defeating Tan Holdings, 89-86.
Marpac controlled the pace in the first half as expected. Chioni Dela Cruz and Jeff Castro quickly found their range beyond the arc, each hitting a pair of three-pointers to give the team an early 21-16 lead.
Tan Holdings fought back effectively, with every player contributing. Theron Factor was a constant threat, hitting three triples, while Joseph Magofna and Henry Aguon added additional scoring from inside the perimeter.
Despite Tan Holdings’ defensive efforts, Coby Santos led Marpac offensively, scoring consistently at the rim, drawing fouls, and converting free throws to build a double-digit lead heading into halftime. Marpac maintained the upper hand through the third quarter, leading 67-54.
The fourth quarter, however, saw Tan Holdings mount a furious comeback. Factor and Aguon carried the team with 10 and 12 points, respectively, cutting the deficit to within striking distance.
Under pressure, Marpac’s Lushawn Reyes and Dela Cruz remained composed. Reyes dominated in the paint with eight straight points, while Dela Cruz capitalized on Tan Holdings’ fouls with a series of and-one plays. Santos connected on the final basket to seal Marpac’s 89-86 victory.
PSS vs CPA
In the opening game, PSS claimed a 100-90 win over CPA, staging a late-game comeback.
The first half featured a long-range showdown between the teams. Preston Basa led PSS with four three-pointers, matched by Greg Deleon Guerrero and Austin Pelisamen of CPA, who combined for nine triples in the second quarter alone.
After a tightly contested third quarter, PSS shifted its focus to the inside game. Mii Tekopua scored 11 points, helping the team maintain the lead. CPA was unable to stop the offensive surge, ultimately falling 100-90.
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.
