Bridge Capital, New Chang Ming eliminate foes

Bridge Capital and New Chang Ming eliminated their foes in the playoffs of the 2024 Michelob Ultra Cup after their games last Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

To kick off the playoff round, Bridge Capital eliminated 670 Akkari EET 1, 80-60.

Steve King sunk five 3-pointers to secure Bridge Capital’s spot in the semis. He not only dominated outside, but he also made his presence known inside the paint for a game-high 27 points.

By the second quarter, King and his men enjoyed a sizable lead and continued to expand it. With the help of Tony Kim’s fastbreak plays, Bridge Capital soared to a 16-point lead at the halftime break.

670 Akkari EET 1 didn’t go down without a fight, however, as Edison Viana and Peyton Basa pulled up to the party and helped their team get on track. John Kae Raquepo also fired a couple of shots from downtown toward the end of the game.

It was too little too late, however, as Bridge Capital’s lead ballooned to 20 points and didn’t give leeway for a comeback for 670 Akkari EET 1.

King’s 27 points led the game, while Kim scored 16, and Chris Sanchez added 14 points. Raquepo had 15 markers, while Viana scored 10, and Gino Asavo contributed 9.

In the night cap, New Chang Ming grinded away in a hard-fought battle against Ol’Aces and came out victorious, 65-55.

Rodel Pastrano was the mainstay for New Chang Ming and set the tone for the team as he put up a game-high 21 points. He went on a 11-point streak as he scored two back-to-back 3s, followed it with a field goal, then proceeded to shoot another three in the second quarter.

Behind him was Daryl Foronda who covered the inside and contributed 12 points.

Despite the big two in New Chang Ming’s roster, Ol’Aces also had sharpshooters on their team. They kept pace with New Chang Ming at the end of the first, 12-12, and weren’t far behind in the third, 41-48.

Sidney Quan kept Ol’Aces going in the first and second and summed up the game with 15 points, while Kevin Kabiriel was right behind him with 10 points. In the end, Melvin Sakisat Jr. and Jawn Joyner tried to give them a fighting chance with baskets from the inside, but New Chang Ming pulled away as they sank in crucial points from the charity line.

Last night, the Saints took on La Mesa Kusina with results to be posted in the next issues of Saipan Tribune. Tonight, Team Marianas takes on Bridge Capital, followed by New Chang Ming vs. the winner of the Saints vs. La Mesa Kusina.

This Saturday, June 1, at 6pm is the championship game.

First Game

Bridge Capital 80 – King 27, Kim 16, Sanchez 14, Richardson 8, Duenas 7, Manglona 6, Atalig 2.

670 Akkari EET 1 60 – Raquepo 15, Viana 10, Asavo 9, Pelisamen 7, T. Basa 6, P. Basa 6, Padayao 3, Factor 2, Cruz 2.

Scoring by quarters: 13-9, 40-24, 66-41, 80-60.

Second Game

New Chang Ming 65 – Pastrana 21, Foronda 12, David 7, Diwa 6, Camacho 4, Bernardo 4, Broncano 4, Esdrelon 3, Baking 2, Devero 2.

Ol’Aces 55 – Quan 15, Kabiriel 10, Joyner 8, Sakisat Jr. 6, Castro 5, Libuw 5, Joab 3, E. Rangamar 3.

Scoring by quarters: 12-12, 35-24, 48-41, 65-55.