By James Sablan
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Variety News Staff
IN a battle of undefeated teams, Priority Care was the last squad standing, narrowly escaping Marpac, 90-87, to remain unscathed in the 2026 Priority Care Inter-Business/Government League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Monday night.
Marpac opened the game in control, scoring the first three unanswered points and forcing Priority Care to call an early timeout. However, the break had little effect as Francisco Mettao and Coby Santos continued to fire at will, pushing the lead to as much as eight points.
Late in the opening quarter, Priority Care found its rhythm, capitalizing on fast-break opportunities behind Joseph Torres Jr. and Airson to cut the deficit to one possession, 19-16.
With momentum shifting, Priority Care gradually took control in the second period. Torres remained a constant threat, opening the quarter with back-to-back finishes at the rim, while Atan later took over with four consecutive baskets to give his team the lead.
Marpac responded from all angles, with Santos attacking the rim relentlessly and Chioni Dela Cruz knocking down two three-pointers. Still, Priority Care held a 39-34 advantage at halftime.
Priority Care extended its lead in the third quarter, with Steve King finding his stroke from beyond the arc. Backed by Emmanuel Bondad and Marvin Rabauliman’s presence on the boards, Priority Care built a comfortable 68-56 cushion heading into the final frame.
Despite trailing, Marpac mounted a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, tightening its defense and converting on the offensive end. Santos and Dela Cruz sparked the rally with three unanswered three-pointers, while Mettao added back-to-back finishes inside to further trim the deficit.
But Priority Care kept its composure, with Atan and Rabauliman delivering clutch baskets to maintain a slim lead.
In the closing minutes, Marpac nearly completed the comeback as Santos drained a corner three to cut the deficit to 88-87.
Priority Care split its free throws down the stretch, but Marpac failed to capitalize on its final possession, committing a costly turnover on an inbound play that sealed the 90-87 result.
Feds survive Guns & Hoses
In the opening game, the Federals pulled off a nail-biting 71-66 overtime victory over Guns & Hoses.
Both teams struggled to find their rhythm early, but the intensity picked up as the game progressed. The Feds held a slim 32-27 lead at halftime before Guns & Hoses surged in the third quarter.
Trailing by six entering the fourth, Leo Apelo sparked the Feds, scoring 13 points to keep his team within striking distance. A clutch three-pointer forced overtime at 64-64.
In the extra period, the Feds found their second wind, holding Guns & Hoses to just two points to secure the 71-66 win.
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.
