PSS’s Preston Basa attempts a three-point shot over two defenders during a 2023 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government/Business League game at the Ada gym.
PSS earned their seat in the finals of the 2023 R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Government-Business League by beating Marpac, 73-63, in a semifinal game at the Ada gym on Tuesday.
PSS came in guns blazing led by Roger Valencia who knocked down two triples while teammates Mii Tekopua and Manny Borja attacked from within to end the first half with PSS enjoying a double-digit advantage, 22-12.
The lead grew larger in the second canto as the PSS trio continued to take turns on the highlight reel while Marpac remained stuck in the gutter, 25-40, relying mostly on Coby Santos, who scored 16 points.
Following the halftime break, Marpac’s defensive efforts started to take its toll on PSS who committed several turnovers, which allowed Marpac to cut the lead, 47-53, thanks to the fastbreak plays of Jeff Castro, Greg Sablan, and Santos.
But Marpac’s hopes were killed by the clock which PSS used to their advantage. PSS’s Preston Basa and Tekopua then sank eight and six free throws, respectively, to pull away with the win, 73-63.
Priority Care vs CPA
In a win-or-go-home game, Priority Care outlasted CPA, 82-73.
Teamwork was Priority Care’s biggest strength in the first half with Justice Aldan scoring his team’s first six points and teammates Matthew Duenas and Steve King later taking over the helm.
CPA’s Donovan Brennan, for his part, scored 12 of his team’s 15 points in the second quarter to maintain a single-digit distance, 33-38.
But no matter what CPA threw at them, Priority Care had an answer, which included finishes at the rim and free-throw shots that sealed the deal, 82-73.
Priority Care will now face Marpac in an elimination game, and the victor will battle twice-to-beat PSS for the championship.
Scores:
PSS 73 – Mii Tekopua 18, Preston Basa 15, Roger Valencia 13, Melvin Sakisat10, John Ferrari 6, Jacoby Winkfield 4, Tyler Palacios 2, Eric Palacios 2, Poland Masaharu 2, Walter Mendez 1
Marpac 63 – Coby Santos 25, Jeff Castro 20, Greg Sablan 6, John Babauta 4, Frank Mettao 4, Henry Sablan 2, James Lee 2
***
Priority Care 82 – Matthew Duenas 28, Steve King 15, Justice Aldan 12, Marvin Rabauliman 12, Alfred Manglona 7, Bryce Maratita 2, Jelani Tilipao 2, Ramon Agulto 2
CPA 73 – Donovan Brennan 35, Michael Mancao 15, David Camacho 14, Yoshi Mafnas 7, Zack Diaz 2
