MARPAC cooked up a second-half rally to defeat Priority Care, 111-84, and win the championship of the 2024 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Saturday.
Marpac started strong with each of its players on the floor posing an offensive threat. Coby Santos and Chioni Dela Cruz played their roles effectively with shots coming from within the perimeter and from beyond the arc. Along with two triples from Jeffrey Cruz, they established a double-digit lead by the end of the opening quarter, 33-18.
But Priority Care did not go down without a fight. In the second period, Marvin Rabauliman led his team’s comeback by contesting shots while assisting on the offensive end with a handful of pick-and-roll finishes. With teammates Matt Duenas and Steve King contributing six and seven points, respectively, Priority Care cut Marpac’s lead, 43-52.
Their back-and-forth battle continued throughout most of the third quarter. However, Priority Care’s rally eventually came to an end as they became careless with the possession and committed four consecutive turnovers that led to fastbreak finishes orchestrated by Dela Cruz to again widen Marpac’s lead, 89-65.
Despite the efforts of Priority Care’s King and Justice Aldan, the fourth quarter was secured by Marpac with Greg Sablan taking over the highlight reel, scoring 12 points and leading his team to a blowout victory, 111-84.
During the awards ceremony, Chioni Dela Cruz was named the Finals Most Valuable Player for his stellar performance throughout the finale.
Scores:
Marpac 111 – Chioni Dela Cruz 37, Coby Santos 29, Greg Sablan 27, Jeffrey Cruz 8, James Lee 7, Henry Sablan 2, Ricky Riungel 2, Frank Mettao 1
Priority Care 84 – Steve King 29, Marvin Rabauliman 23, Justice Aldan 11, Matt Duenas 9, Bryce Maratita 6, Alfred Manglona 6, Tyson Elameto 2
Marpac players pose with the championship trophy of the 2024 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League during the awards ceremony at the Ada gym on Saturday.
Marpac’s Chioni Dela Cruz poses with the Finals MVP award alongside officials of the Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation.
Marpac’s Coby Santos pulls up over two defenders for the jump shot.
