Loving Hands’ Rafael Ordona pulls up for the jumpshot against two defenders during an open division game of the 2023 Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
LOVING Hands Daycare/670 Sonics and Priority Care advanced to the open division playoffs of the 2023 Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League after eliminating their respective opponents at the Gualo Rai basketball court on Monday.
Loving Hands were on their toes throughout their game against Socho as both teams traded baskets.
Loving Hands’ Bryan Bernardo and Carlos Elchico carried their team in the opening quarter while teammates Jude Tengco, Aldrin Dancel and Christian Bravo, took over the spotlight in the second canto.
But Socho had a ready answer as Timmy Pangelinan ignited his team’s momentum with a three-pointer while teammates Quirin Faisao and Toshi Pangelinan kept the fuel burning before halftime to trail by just three points, 19-22.
In the third quarter, Socho created more shot opportunities, but Loving Hands’ Rafael Ordona and Ben Lisuato maintained control, 38-32.
In the final quarter, Loving Hands started to gain the distance thanks to their defensive pressure. Although Socho still delivered, their lower percentage shot attempts allowed Loving Hands to rack up the points with Bravo, Elchico and Tengco delivering triples before ending Socho’s misery, 60-48.
Priority Care vs Homesmart
Priority Care secured a spot in the playoffs by outlasting Homesmart, 83-77.
In the opening quarter, Priority Care was led by Steve King, who delivered 16 points, as they outscored Homesmartin, 18-10.
In the second canto, Homesmart worked their way back in contention with Jonel Palima and Jeff Victoria at the frontline, scoring nine points each.
But Priority Care’s Matt Duenas joined the fray to maintain his team’s comfortable lead, 43-34.
Homesmart fell back into the gutter in the third canto with only 13 team points while Priority Care extended the gap, 63-47.
In the final quarter, Priority Care was already too far ahead, but Homesmart managed to reduce the deficit to a single digit before accepting defeat, 77-83.
Scores:
Loving Hands Daycare/670 Sonics 60 – Jude Tengco 12, Rafeal Ordona 10, Carlos Elchico 10, Bryan Bernardo 8, Christian Bravo 8, Ben Lisua 6, Emman Tabora 2, Aldrin Dancel 2, Jason Bahillo 1
Socho 48 – Derek Olopai 12, Timmy Pangelinan 9, Juanito Sambile 8, Quirin Faisao 8, Ray Babauta 3, Dom Faisao 2, Russ Hocog 2, Jon Limes 2, Freddie Guerrero 2
***
Priority Care 83 – Steve King 43, Matt Duenas 16, Ray Agulto 8, Minko Taimanao 4, Alfred Manglona 4, Tyson Elameto2, Yoshi Mafnas 2, Donavan Pelisamen 2
Homesmart 77 – Janel Palima 34, Jeff Victoria 33, Ronnie Dionicio 6, Jojit Jumaquio 2
