Sixers near Rotary sweep

The San Antonio Sixers moved a win away from sweeping the regular season of the 2008 Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League after outlasting the Southern Sonics, 63-55, Thursday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Sixers gained their seventh win in as many games and will go for a sweep and the pennant title against the defending champion CNMI Junior Nationals on Oct. 15.

The trio of Ernest and Matt Duenas and Joe Ada worked wonders for the Sixers, as they combined for 47 of the team’s total output.

Ernest led all scorers with 21 points, while Matt and Ada chipped in 14 and 12 markers, respectively.

The game was still tied at 42-all, when a 10-0 run put the Sixers in control of the game, 52-42, going into the last three minutes of the match.

Ada scored six points in that spurt, while Ernest had four. Matt also had successive baskets, making four straight markers to give the Sixers a safe distance, 56-44, entering the final two minutes of the game.

The Sonics never recovered from thereon and dropped to a 1-6 record. This could have been the Sonics first defeat, but five of their six wins were forfeited last week after they fielded an ineligible player in the 18-and-under caging.

Leo Galarse scored 15 points on a losing cause and was the lone double figure scorer for the Sonics.

In Friday night’s game, the Rollers I notched their second straight victory after whipping the Suns, 91-59.

The Rollers I improved to a 4-3 record after outgunning the Suns.

The Joe Diaz-mentored squad fired 10 triples against the Suns only two.

Manny Matagolai paced the Rollers I with 16 points and drilled two triples. Brandon Aurelio nailed three shots from downtown and added 11 markers. Ten other Rollers I players made it into the scoreboard for the team’s balanced offense.

Juan Maratita topscored for the Suns with 17 points.

Thursday’s Game

Sixers 63 – E. Duenas 21, M. Duenas 14, Ada 12, Pepito 10, Flores 4, Benavente 2.

Sonics 55 – Galarse 15, Eclevia 8, Ajoste 5, Chan 4, Metran 4, Echon 4, Cadiang 2, Catap 2, Dela Cruz 2.

Scoring by halves: 26-25, 63-55.
Referees: Gilbert Espinosa and Eric Artillaga.

Friday’s Game

Rollers I 91 – Matagolai 16, Aurelio 11, Concepcion 9, A. Camacho 9, E. Camacho 7, Teregeyo 6, Danas 6, Paez 6, Castro 5, Ogarto 4, Namelo 2.

Suns 59 – Maratita 17, Yamada 7, Brel 6 Kiyoski 6, Lisua 4, Fleming 2, Calvo 2, Babauta 2, Salas 1.

Scoring by halves: 46-31, 91-59.

Referees: Gilbert Espinosa and Eric Artillaga.