By James Sablan
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
TWO teams were eliminated in the playoff round of the 2026 Priority Care Inter Business/Government League on Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Tan Holdings earned its first win in the double-elimination format, outlasting CPA, 74-71.
Tan Holdings’ offense was fueled by a balanced attack, with Henry Aguon and Gino Andon providing key scoring bursts throughout all four quarters. In the opening 10 minutes, they established control of the pace behind back-to-back three-pointers from Shaolin Jugos, while Aguon and Joseph Magofna added a pair of baskets each to take a 21-12 lead.
CPA mounted a comeback in the second period as Greg Deleon Guerrero, Michael Yap, and Dave Camacho found their rhythm with strong finishes at the rim. However, Tan Holdings maintained its offensive efficiency, with Daniell Pablo contributing six points to extend the lead to 42-31.
Despite trailing, CPA refused to back down and began a second-half rally. With tighter defense and more stops, the team created additional scoring opportunities. Michael Mancao and Jesse Salas provided a spark, joining Deleon Guerrero in trimming the deficit to single digits by the end of the third quarter, 59-50.
CPA continued to close the gap in the fourth quarter. Mancao and Deleon Guerrero capitalized on defensive stops, cutting the deficit to within striking distance in the final five minutes. However, Tan Holdings held on behind key baskets from Magofna and Theron Factor, along with a clutch three-pointer from Andon.
Forced to foul to stop the clock, CPA was unable to convert key possessions down the stretch and ultimately fell, 74-71. With the win, Tan Holdings moved one victory away from a semifinal berth, while CPA was eliminated after its second loss.
In the second game, PSS secured a semifinal spot with a dominant 101-62 win over Customs, handing them their second loss and eliminating them from contention.
From the opening tip, PSS played with speed and precision that Customs could not match. John Pineda, Melvin Sakisat, and Maverick Itibus led the charge, slicing through the defense to build a 24-15 first-quarter lead.
PSS continued to control the game as Mii Tekopua, Tyrik Basa, and Dereck Olopai kept the offense flowing through the second and third quarters, effectively putting the game out of reach early.
Customs struggled to find offensive rhythm. Although Don Teregeyo, Paul Quizon, and Jude Tengco provided effort, turnovers and constant defensive pressure from PSS proved too much to overcome.
By the fourth quarter, PSS held a commanding lead and rotated its bench en route to a 101-62 victory.
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.
