Royal Pacific/Islander Rent A Car’s Jeffrey Victoria attempts a floater over a defender during an open division game of the 2nd SMEC-SMLEG Basketball Tournament at the Ada gym on Sunday.
Royal Pacific/Islander Rent A Car’s Ronald Rueda pulls up for the three-point shot during an open division game of the 2nd SMEC-SMLEG Basketball Tournament at the Ada gym on Sunday.
ROYAL Pacific/Islander Rent A Car bagged their third win in the open division of the 2nd Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club – Saipan MagaHaga Lady Eagles Group Basketball Tournament by dominating the Compadres, 76-58, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on Sunday.
In the opening half, Royal Pacific/Islander was led by Rodel Pastrana whose strength and ability to finish at the rim were unmatched. With every successful defensive stop, his team quickly looked for Pastrana to punish the inside defenders. He alone scored 22 points.
The Compadres, for their part, emphasized teamwork with each player contributing points. However, they had more misses than makes, which allowed Royal Pacific/Islander to convert easy buckets on the other end and establish a double-digit lead going into halftime, 42-25.
The Compadres continued to put up a fight in hopes to close the distance with Raymond Atencio and Jepoy Tabora at the frontline. But they could not cope with the fastbreak transitions on the other end as their misses only fed Royal Pacific/Islander’s Ronald Rueda and Joshua Carlos, who led the second half with a combined 14 points to solidify their victory, 76-58.
On Saturday, Royal Pacific/Islander also reigned supreme against K-Pro, 80-76.
East Side Cuts/Saipan Fresh Market vs CTSI/Friendly Market/DPA Car Mart
East Side Cuts/Saipan Fresh Market eased past CTSI/Friendly Market/DPA Car Mart, 94-73.
In the first half, East Side Cuts/Saipan Fresh Market was led by Airson Atan, Francisco Mizutani, and Riv Sanchez while CTSI/Friendly Market/DPA Car Mart’s Alex Ales and Ervin Villarin equalizing on the other end to remain within reach.
As time progressed, East Side Cuts/Saipan Fresh Market gained the edge with Jay Palmes providing the extra firepower to keep the momentum burning and gain a six-point advantage, 39-33.
In the second half, both teams decided to take the action from afar. CTSI/Friendly Market/DPA Car Mart displayed a decent shot percentage from beyond the arc with five three-pointers made, but East Side Cuts/Saipan Fresh Market recorded 11 triples — three each from Airson Atan and Mizutani — to gradually spread the gap and seal the deal, 94-73.
Scores
Royal Pacific/Islander Rent A Car 76 – Rodel Pastrana 27, Ronald Rueda 13, Jeffrey Victoria 10, Bryan Ytac 8, Bryan Jumaquio 6, Joshua Carlos 5, Paovo Yanto 4, Nick Abad 3
Compadres 58 – Jepoy Tabora 15, Raymond Atencio 10, Jhun Tabora 8, Emman Tabora 6, Crence Orosco 6, Jhune Gatchalian 5, Pablito David 2, Jerico Blazo 2, Adi Tabora 2, Lazaro 2
***
East Side Cuts/Saipan Fresh Market 94 – Airson Atan 26, Francisco Mizutani 23, Jay Palmes 17, Riv Sanchez 16, Iverson Atan 8, Alex Lauron 4
CTSI/Friendly Market/DPA Car Mart 73 – John Thongaram 18, Ervin Villarin 15, Jeter Medina 9, Alex Ales 8, Sean Apasan 6, Justine Enano 4, Emmanuel Bondad 4, Nak Nakashima 3, Jude Tengco 3, Julius Domine 2, Ty Redondo 1
