NAPA’S hoopsters are off to a strong start in the Masters Division of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League, outperforming DECM 83-62 Saturday at the TSL Sports Complex.
NAPA found their rhythm early in the game with Alipio punishing DECM from underneath the rim with six points.
Although most of NAPA’s points came from inside the paint, they were able to extend their range with a couple of three-pointers delivered by Montano and Ebuan.
DECM, for their part, failed to heat up as only two of the team’s players could find the bottom of the net. Tabora led the DECM pack with nine points while Pangelinan contributed six as DECM fell behind 15-24 by the end of the first quarter.
The second canto was no different as NAPA continued to deliver on the offensive end. Although DECM managed to shut down some of his offensive options, Alipio still managed to score nine more points while team mates Manabat and Montano combined for 10 as NAPA held DECM to just eight team points and seized a comfortable 43-23 spread.
In the third quarter, DECM’s Bavl, who only had two points in the first half, suddenly ignited on offense with eight points while Joson, Viola and Tabora chipped in from beyond the arc to cut NAPA’s lead, 45-59.
DECM, however, could not stop NAPA’s offensive run which was led by Alipio who had an answer for each time DECM made a bucket,
Alipio scored 10 more points in the final quarter as NAPA clinched an emphatic 83-62 victory.
Scores
NAPA 83 — Alipio 27, Montano 18, Tobias 9, Manabat 8, Ebuan 8, De Gueman 7, Bartolo 6
DECM 62 — Tabora 21, Bavl 12, Joson 6, Pangelinan 6, Galulu 4, Viola 3, Gatdula 2, Calunsag 2, Tagle 2, Salazar 4
NAPA’s De Guzman protects the ball as he posts up against a defender during a Masters Division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League Saturday at the TSL Sports Complex.
NAPA’s Montano extends for the layup over a DECM defender during a Masters Division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Basketball League Saturday at the TSL Sports Complex.
