CNMI Nationals, Docomo on a roll

The CNMI Nationals kept their winning run, while Docomo is also on a streak following their lopsided wins over separate foes in the 2008-2009 BANMI-Budweiser Basketball League Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Nationals cruised to their third victory in a row after outracing the Runnin’ Rebels, 83-57. In the first game, Docomo notched its second straight win after whipping Quichocho Law Office, 100-86.

With gunner Jericho Cruz on Tinian Monday night playing for another league, it was expected that the CNMI Nationals would struggle offensively against the Runnin’ Rebels.

But Rufino Aguon’s wards did exactly the opposite, as they had an easier time against the Runnin’ Rebels with Pete Iguel making his usual double figures contribution on offense firing 19 points.

The battle between the two youngest teams in the league turned into a sprint race, as both camps tried to push the tempo of the game.

But the Runnin’ Rebels lost their footing when the CNMI Nationals began putting up backcourt pressured defense in the second half.

The Nationals’ tight defense limited the Runnin’ Rebels to five points and only one field goal in the first eight and a half minutes of the third period turning the former’s 45-30 halftime lead to a 30-point advantage, 65-35.

The Nationals entered the fourth period with a comfortable 70-43 lead and preserved the win, as the Runnin’ Rebels outscored them by only a point in the payoff canto, 14-13.

The Runnin’ Rebels output is the lowest so far this season, as they had only five players making it to the scoreboard.

In the first game, Docomo missed the services of Kelvin Fitial and Ryan Sanciangco, who also played in a league on Tinian Monday night, but still won easily against Quichocho Law Office.

Christopher Paul stepped up in absence of Docomo’s two scorers drilling a double-double with his 24 points and 20 rebounds. Docomo, which had a 0-2 start in the league before gaining back-to-back wins, also drew 20-plus point from siblings Joe and James Villacrusis, who contributed 24 and 20 markers, respectively.

Mark Wallace, who was absent in Docomo’s win over IT&E last week, returned to action Monday night and added 19 points, eight rebounds, and five assists.

Bonbon Cadagat had 30 points for Quichocho Law Office, which took a 20-17 lead at the end of the first period, but lost control of the game when it scored only nine points in the second quarter.

Quichocho Law Office never recovered from there and absorbed its second consecutive loss after winning its debut over the Runnin’ Rebels, 87-70.

Docomo 100[/B] – Paul 24, Jo. Villacrusis 24, Ja. Villacrusis 20, Wallace 19, Mendez 7, Palacios 6.
[B] Quichocho Law Office 8[/B]6 – Cadagat 30, Lerio 19, Itaas 11, Capalad 10, Demapan 10, Moises 2, Barbo 2, Doronilla 2.

CNMI Nationals 83 –[/B] Iguel 22, Tarkong 12, Camacho 9, Rabauliman 8, Chariton 7, Johnson 7, Moses 7, White 6, Tumaquip 5.