Marpac’s Coby Santos drives past a defender during a game of the 2023 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League at the Ada gym.
IN the battle between the top two teams of the 2023 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League, Marpac came out victorious against Joeten in a thrilling game, 82-81, on Tuesday at the Ada gym.
Marpac seized the advantage by utilizing Joeten’s defensive aggression to make easy buckets from the free throw line. A total of 10 charity shots were made by Marpac, which led in the opening quarter, 26-19.
In the second period, Marpac started to find their range with Jeff Castro and Coby Santos draining a triple each, but Joeten’s John Paul Cruz replied with nine points to cut Marpac’s lead, 40-42.
The halftime break seemed to have no effect on Marpac’s momentum as they continued to fire at will. Castro opened the third canto with back-to-back three-pointers followed by another triple from Santos.
But Joeten fought back with Cruz delivering six points, including one triple, while teammate Alex Lauron provided a mix of inside action to allow their team to stay within reach, 60-63.
The back-and-forth action continued throughout the fourth and final quarter. In the final three minutes, Joeten finally took the lead thanks to Cruz’s four-point play, 77-74. But Marpac’s Santos answered with a triple of his own to tie the game.
Joeten regained the upper hand with a bucket from Ervin Villarin, but, once again, Marpac tied the score, this time with two free throw shots by Greg Sablan, 79-79.
With 17 seconds left on the clock, Joeten’s Sid Quan scored was fouled in his attempt, but failed to drain the much-needed free-throw shot.
Joeten seemed to have the win in the palm of their hands as three of Marpac’s key players had fouled out, but Santos stepped up with a crucial finish and was fouled. He then converted the extra point to give his team the lead, 82-81.
With only seconds left on the clock, Joeten failed to find the bottom of the net.
Joining the winner’s circle that day was CHCC, which outscored CUC, 95-73.
Scores:
Marpac 82 – Coby Santos 28, Greg Sablan 24, Jeff Castro 22, James Lee 4, John Babauta 4
Joeten 81 – John Paul Cruz 19, Sid Quan 19, Ervin Villarin 17, Alex Lauron 12, Rafael Ordona 9, Tommy Augustin 2, Yugie Cruz 2, Ithyvin They 2
***
CHCC 95 – DJ Ong 33, Jack Lizama 24, James Phillip 18, Alain Nunez 12, Lamberto Omampo 6, Derek Manglona 2
CUC 73 – Christopher Sablan 28, Trey Aikens 12, John Nekaifes 12, Frederick Dionisio 8, David Hidalgo 5, Kail Lopaka 4
