Loving Hands Daycare/670 Sonics’ Jun Javier pulls up for the shot from underneath the rim during Sunday’s make-up game in the open division of the 2023 Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
THE Winners Group continue to ascend in Bracket A of the Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League’s Open Division after stunning Loving Hands Daycare/670 Sonics, 68-59, in a make-up game Sunday at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
It was a fairly even match as several lead exchanges were made in the opening quarter. The work of Rafael Ordona and Jhun Tabora kept the Loving Hands within reach and allowed them to grasp the lead a few times as well.
But the Winners Group managed to keep up thanks to the clutch performance of Jeter Medina, who led the scoreboard with 11 points, including two three-pointers, to give his team the lead, 19-15.
The Loving Hands continued to work inside the paint with high-percentage shot attempts. But so did the Winners Group’s John Mejarito, Ryan Llave and Medina.
Down 27-33, the Loving Hands expanded their offensive options in the third period with a handful of triples delivered by Carlos Elchico, Jude Tengco and Ordona.
But the Winners Group’s Medina continued to outshine them all as he scored 11 more points, including two triples, to expand the lead, 57-46.
The Loving Hands minimized Medina’s output in the fourth and final quarter, but Paul Flores and Mejarito stepped up when needed to maintain the safe distance and secure the win, 68-59.
Scores:
Winners Group 68 – Jeter Medina 27, JohnMejarito17, Ryan Llave 11, Paul Flores 7, Evamar Banayos 4, Mark Banayos 2
Loving Hands Daycare/670 Sonics 59 – Rafael Ordona 22, Jhun Tabora 10, Jude Tengco 10, Carlos Elchico 6, Jun Javier 4, Christian Bravo 3, Vincent Lumen 2, Bryan Bernardo 2
Winners Group’s Evamar Banayos extends for the uncontested shot between two defenders during Sunday’s make-up game in the open division of the 2023 Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club Invitational Basketball League at the Gualo Rai basketball court.
