SEABRIDGE earned their first win in the B division of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 on Wednesday night, outlasting the Saipan Ballers, 47-39, at the Koblerville basketball court.
Seabridge established control early, quickly building momentum on the offensive end. Allin Fundador, Lance Lerio, and Christian Bravo orchestrated the offense with all-around performances, each putting up six points. Defensively, they limited the Saipan Ballers to single digits through strong coverage inside the paint and by capitalizing on fast-break opportunities, closing the opening quarter with a 17-8 lead.
The second quarter saw the Saipan Ballers attempt a comeback, but Seabridge maintained their composure as both teams struggled to find the bottom of the net, ending the half at 21-14.
In the third quarter, the Saipan Ballers’ aggressive defensive coverage turned each stop into a made bucket, with Razell Loveriano scoring six points, alongside Rotap and Herrera, who each contributed six points, narrowing the gap to just one possession at 31-29.
The action intensified in the fourth and final quarter, marked by several lead changes. Initially, Fundador and Lerio gave Seabridge some breathing room with a couple of early buckets. But with each miss, the Saipan Ballers capitalized with crucial finishes at the rim by Rotap, closing the distance again and even seizing the lead briefly.
Despite their efforts, the Saipan Ballers were hindered by early foul trouble. Each foul sent Seabridge to the charity stripe, allowing them easy free throws to maintain the upper hand.
As the clock became an additional opponent for the Saipan Ballers, they were forced to rush possessions. Each missed shot handed Seabridge the opportunity to seal the win with fast-break finishes, ending triumphant at 47-39.
Also victorious in their debut games were Kumpare, who defeated Unity Trade 54-46, and Jacob’s, who trounced Hybrid 75-57.
Scores:
Seabridge 47 – Lance Lerio 12, Allijn Fundador 9, Christian Bravo 8, Sonny Lerio 7, Rodmar Diaz 5, Axl Cadag 2, JR Caraig 2, Reagan Cruz 2
Saipan Ballers 39 – Razell Loveriano 9, Rotap 8, Dexter Cajes 6, J Herrera 5, Albert Pangan 4, PJ Magtira 2, CJ Daluz 2, Jorge Fuquero 2
Saipan Ballers’ Rotap takes the off-balanced shot between two defenders during a game against Seabridge in the B Division of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Koblerville basketball court on Wednesday night.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
Seabridge’s Lance Lerio extends for the fastbreak finish during a game against Saipan Ballers in the B Division of the E-Sports CNMI Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Koblerville basketball court on Wednesday night.
Photo by James F. Sablan Jr.
