THE GAME and JTM Saipan defeated their respective opponents Wednesday in the open division of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League at the Civic Center basketball court.
The Game showcased their endurance in gradually overpowering Checkpoint Int., 85-64.
The Game established control by using speed and communication to their advantage. Joe Sablan opened the quarter with a quick finish at the tipoff while team mates Matthew Richardson, DJ Ong and Artin Chua kept the rhythm flowing with a bucket each.
Checkpoint had a rough start, but thanks to the defensive prowess of Aparte and Akyat, went toe to toe with The Games.
However, in the last three minutes, The Game unleashed their extra firepower off the bench, highlighted by two triples from Bryan Natividad and Richardson for a 22-15 advantage.
The Game’s endless pressure also led to additional buckets from Greg Sablan and Arnold in the second canto while team mates Richardson and Ong took over the third quarter to give The Game a double-digit lead, 64-40.
Checkpoint’s Maesa, Aparte and Camacho were able to penetrate The Game’s defense, but still struggled defensively and had to settle for defeat, 64-85
JTM Saipan vs Socho Team
JTM Saipan joined the winner’s circle by trouncing Socho Team, 65-49.
It was an even match during the first half of the game with several lead exchanges. Socho Team displayed balanced work with Mettao and Freddie Guerrero at the front line. But led by Jonel Broncano, JTM took over in the second canto, 24-22.
JTM continued to ride the momentum going into the third quarter as Raymond Velasco, Bryan Bernardo and Kenneth Rodriguez joined Broncano in a scoring spree for a double-digit spread, 52-40.
Socho Team continued to struggle with only nine team points in the final quarter while JTM easily secured the win, 65-49.
The Game’s Christian Bravo dribbles past a defender during an open division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League at the Civic Center basketball court on Wednesday.
The Game’s Joe Sablan takes the fadeaway jump shot over a defender during an open division game of the Saipan Centennial Lions Club Invitational Basketball League at the Civic Center basketball court on Wednesday.
