NAPA Auto Parts secured the fourth and final spot in the open division semifinals of the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League by outlasting Pacific Best Choice, 89-75, on Sunday at the Koblerville gym.
It was NAPA’s first half performance that gave them the upper hand.
In the opening quarter, their three-point game was highlighted with five consecutive makes — three triples contributed by James Abuy with Alken Ege and Basi Esmundo adding one each. Although Pacific Best Choice fought back, NAPA nearly doubled their offensive production to lead, 27-16.
The lead only grew in the second canto as NAPA’s long-ranged bombardment continued, this time with Preston Basa at the frontline, scoring 16 points, paired with four triples, for a comfortable 58-32 advantage.
But Pacific Best Choice did not go down without a fight.
In the third quarter, Jessie Bobares and Leo Galarse took over the spotlight with a combined 11 points while holding NAPA to just 10 team points.
However, even after Bobares and Galarse exploded in the final quarter to double their output offensively, NAPA maintained their cool with JR Caraig connecting the last three buckets to clinch victory, 89-75.
In the semifinal round this Sunday, #1 Blue Haus will go up against #4 NAPA at 9 a.m. while #2 Chang Ming Market will face #3 JTM Saipan at 10:30 a.m.
NAPA’s JR Caraig takes the uncontested shot against Pacific Best Choice during the open division knockout game of the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League on Sunday at the Koblerville gym.
