Team Marianas’ Azzy Fatialofa backs down a defender in the post during a game against Prospects in the Pokka Cup 2024 at the Ada gym on Friday.
Team Marianas’ Sylvina Simram takes the midrange shot during a game against Prospects in the Pokka Cup 2024 at the Ada gym on Friday.
TEAM Marianas came out victorious after rallying past Prospects, 51-43, in the Pokka Cup 2024, which kicked off at the Ada gym on Friday.
Prospects had to prove their worth and delivered in the first half of the game. Their defensive efforts all but smothered Team Marianas, which could score a point only while Liam Wilson-Sablan led Prospects’ onslaught that was capped by Kelvin John’s triple for a commanding 11-1 lead.
Team Marianas may have had a rough start but they slowly recovered in the second quarter. Irish Pagarao created fastbreak opportunities to score five points while teammates Madi Alegre and Kaia Travilla contributed two buckets each.
Prospects also kept their momentum going thanks to Greg Ngotel and Leon Duenas to maintain the safe distance, 26-17.
Team Marianas returned from halftime as if it was a different team.
The tables suddenly turned as Team Marianas’ defensive pressure started to overwhelm Prospects, who could score only six points while Team Marianas’ center Azzy Fatialofa took over the highlight reel with 11 points to grasp a hold of the lead for the first time, 37-32.
The battle continued throughout the fourth and final period.
Prospects remained vigilant with Lagan Daniel and Keith Agulto on the attack to regain the upper hand. However, Team Marianas used the time to their advantage and forced Prospects to foul in order to stop the clock. Team Marianas then sunk half of their attempts from the charity line to seal the deal, 51-43.
New Changming vs Lakay
In the men’s open division, New Changming had an explosive opener, routing Lakay, 108-31.
