YABANGIS/HK remains unscathed in Bracket A of the CNMI E-Sports Invitational Basketball League 2025, collecting their sixth straight win against Top Shelf/Connie’s BBQ, 80-73, during a game held at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court on Saturday night.
It was a seesaw battle, with Top Shelf controlling the first half. The opening 10 minutes were highlighted by Jomar Tengco and Abe Sacramento, who scored 11 and six points, respectively, to lead the run.
On the other end, Yabangis/HK had Erwin Santiago open the scoreboard with the first five points, while Jerome Directo and Paulo Yanto later took over in hopes of keeping the rhythm flowing. Top Shelf continued to fight as Robin Baylon and Vincent Lumen came off the bench to provide added firepower, maintaining the upper hand going into halftime, 40-32.
In the second half, Top Shelf began losing its grip. With each rushed shot and turnover, Yabangis/HK capitalized. Alken Ege sparked the rally with a three-pointer, while Jun Estolas orchestrated the comeback as point guard, feeding his teammates inside the paint to quickly cut the deficit and eventually take the lead.
Top Shelf’s Tengco and Baylon tried to keep their team within reach but were repeatedly punished for missed shots and turnovers, gradually falling behind by double digits.
Despite holding a comfortable lead, Yabangis/HK played smart, using the clock and still scoring before time expired. In the final two minutes, Top Shelf accepted defeat, with the game ending 80-73 in favor of Yabangis/HK.
Joining the winner’s circle were the Eagles, who defeated Island Hoopers, 71-53; Lakay, who edged Island Hoopers in a make-up game, 67-66; and Mountain, who outlasted Lakay, 56-53.
Top Shelf/Connie’s BBQ’s Jomar Tengco protects the ball as he goes up for the layup during a game against Yabangis/HK in Bracket A of the CNMI E-Sports Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court on Saturday night.
Yabangis/HK’s Paulo Yanto rises up for the contested layup during a game against Top Shelf/Connie’s BBQ in Bracket A of the CNMI E-Sports Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court on Saturday night.
Yabangis/HK’s Jun Estolas attempts a floater between defenders during a game against Top Shelf/Connie’s BBQ in bracket A of the CNMI E-Sports Invitational Basketball League 2025 at the Gualo Rai Basketball Court on Saturday night.
