CO-ED BASKETBALL LEAGUE THC bags Mobil crown

Tan Holdings Corporation took the 1st Mobil Oil Micronesia Co-Ed Basketball League Crown Saturday at the NMC Gym, defeating Hyatt Regency Saipan 95-80.

THC point guard Jerry Zamora poured in a season-high 39 points to lead his team to victory, while Ronald Delos Reyes helped out Zamora with 36 points.

Tan Holdings playing coach Ambet Flores instructed his team to play good defense and indeed his team exactly did what their coach was asking them to do. Delos Reyes, using his height advantage controlled the boards, while Ronnie Bayle was busy dishing out the passes to Zamora, who converted 20 points on fast breaks alone.

Hyatt, however, didn’t want to throw in the towel even though they were down at half-time 49-38. Hyatt coach Erwin Cuenca used his three guards combination with Alfonso Masga leading the Hyatt attack.

Hyatt was able to cut down THC’s lead and was able to grab the lead with 10 minutes remaining in the ballgame on a lay-up by Masga.

Tan Holdings, however, was able to regroup and took the lead for good and controlled the tempo of the game. Hyatt was led by Alfonso Masga with 19 points followed by Ernie Garcia with 18 points.

Awards were given after the game to the following:

• Championship: Tan Holdings

•1st runner-up: Hyatt Regency Saipan

•Sportsmanship: Pacific Development Inc., (PDI).

A banquet followed at Susupe Beach Park.

Mobil’s Tom Anitok started this program not only to have fun but to also get Mobil’s customers (employees) stay fit.

According to PDI team manager Mario Espeleta, “all of our employees enjoyed playing in this league and it helped most of our players stay in shape and help one of our players lower his calories. We hope that this will be an annual event.”

League organizer Abner Venus thanked Mobil Oil Micronesia for the sponsorship, as well as all the referees and table officials for their support.

“It was a good and organized league because everybody helped out and no technical foul(s) given and no fights happened during this league. This is because everybody who participated in this league knows the rules and we did not have players or officials who were playing scientist(s) in our leagues,” Venus said.

“I am very happy with the way this league came out. Our referees and table officials were always on time and we didn’t encounter any form of protest,” according to Anitok.