New Chang Ming’s Keith Santos extends as he makes contact going for the layup during the quarterfinal game against JTM Saipan in the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League Friday at the Civic Center basketball court.
New Chang Ming’s Don Brennan finishes at rim after evading a defender during the quarterfinal game against JTM Saipan in the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League Friday at the Civic Center basketball court.
NEW Chang Ming earned a shot at the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League title by trouncing JTM Saipan, 86-65, on Friday and edging Puerto Rico Bento, 77-75, on Saturday at the Civic Center basketball court.
Against Puerto Rico Bento, New Chang Ming had an explosive start with big man Alex Standish draining the first four points and team mate Keith Santos following up with a triple.
Puerto Rico Bento tried to build momentum with each player on the floor chipping in buckets, but they had more misses than makes.
New Chang Ming, for their part, continued to widen their lead with Jeff Castro coming off the bench to finish the opening quarter with back-to-back three pointers.
Down 14-24, Puerto Rico Bento managed to shut down New Chang Ming’s long-range attacks and started to find their chemistry with Alvin Fundador and Daryll Foronda delivering a combined 12 points.
But New Chang Ming unleashed their extra firepower coming off the bench to maintain ta 10-point deficit, 43-33.
Puerto Rico Bento then turned the tables during the third canto.
Coby Santos sizzled with 16 points, including two triples, while Foronda’s soft touch around the perimeter allowed Puerto Rico Bento to tie the game, 59-59.
Both teams fought for control in the fourth and final quarter. With the game deadlocked at 72-72, New Chang Ming’s Castro took the lead with a shot from beyond the arc, but Puerto Rico Bento’s Santos answered with a triple of his own to equalize, 75-75.
New Chang Ming sealed the deal thanks to Sid Quan who converted with only three seconds left on the clock to win the game, 77-75.
