Lights out for CUC in inter gov’t/biz caging

Team Federals hit the 1-2 punch and it was lights out for CUC in their Inaugural R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Gov’t/Business League 2023 game last Tuesday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Although the two could not be separated far enough with a give and take of points in the first half, the Feds pulled away in the last two quarters for a 65-49 win.

CUC actually had the upper hand in the first quarter and led by 4 points by the end of it, 16-12, but the Feds quickly gained traction in the second. The lead teetered to and fro both teams—with CUC’s on-point passing game and with the Feds’ high percentage shots from the paint.

The Feds caught up to CUC in no time thanks to Leo Apelo as he led the charge with his side steps, leaps, and bounds toward the basket. His sizeable frame was deceitful as he lumbered quickly—and outpaced CUC defenders in his path. Apelo was complemented by a smaller, yet twice as speedy Terence Leung—and together, they were a force to be reckoned with.

The Feds then led by just 2 points, 27-25, heading into the third quarter, but the little half time break to recuperate carried them to a sufficient enough lead in the end. As the Feds recharged for an electric second half, CUC’s battery sputtered, sparked up, then died.

Though CUC’s Franko Nakamura put up 13 points, while Fredrick Dionisio and Trey Aikens mirrored each other with 11 points through the game, only 7 points were made in the third quarter.

The Feds’ blocking ability and tight screens caused CUC to make hasty and inaccurate shots—and reduced them to less than half of their shooting percentage.

Apelo finished with a game high 30 points, with 17 markers from Leung, and an additional 13 markers from Jeffrey Che.

In Monday’s games, MarPac won via an 81-54 blowout against CHCC; and team Office of the Governor trumped Docomo, 75-53.

Federals 65 – Apelo 30, Leung 17, Che 13, Angeles 3, Sablan 2.

CUC 49 – Nakamura 13, Dionisio 11, Aikens 11, Lopaka 6, Tudela 4, Malwelbug 2, Mikhel 2.

Scoring by quarters: 12-16, 27-25, 45-32, 65-49.