Makos, 69ers II down Garapan squads

Makos and 69ers II shutout coach Joe Diaz and Garapan Rollers Wednesday night in the continuation of the 2003 Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Makos (7-1), behind the inspired play of Christan Dela Cruz and Jose Maday, dealt G-Rollers III (2-5) an 82-54 thrashing in the first game.

And Makos accomplished the rout with little offensive help from UFO veteran and team heart and soul Paul Magcalas.

Maday and Dela Cruz went off firing from the opening tip, banging 13 and 9 points, respectively, as Makos took the half, 57-26.

It was more of shooting practice for Makos in the second half, as the second-running team continued to fire on all cylinders and won by a wide margin.

Dela Cruz led all scorers with 17 points and 6 boards, while Maday added 16 points and 3 assists. Ben Magofna and Lorenzo Villagomez also finished in double figures with 11 and 10 points. Although, he didn’t show his presence on offense, Paul Magcalas did his share on defense, stealing the ball six times.

Jerico Cruz shone for G-Rollers II in the loss, tossing in 15 points. Don Teregeyo and Ano Tebuteb also chipped in 12 markers each with the former hauling down 4 rebounds and swiping the ball five times.

G-Rollers III (0-7) also had no such luck against the 69ers II (2-6) in the second game, falling in a score of 75-46.

But the massacre didn’t come as quickly as expected. G-Rollers III managed to make it close in the first 10 minutes of action, as 6’0”-, 225-lbs. center George Dalang made his best Shaquille O’Neal impression.

But all good things must come to end and the 69ers II quickly spoiled Dalang and G-Rollers III’s party by rattling off consecutive baskets and pulled away, resting at lemontime with a 31-19 spread.

69ers II pushed all the right buttons at the start of the second half, and despite another monster effort by Dalang, went on to win the match-up with plenty to spare.

Jake Maratita fired from all angles and went on to topscore for 69ers II with 23 points. He also had 6 steals. Playmaker Preston Basa also had a superb all-around game, finishing with 16 points, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

Dalang played a career game in the loss, powering his way inside for 20 points, 19 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Ric Basila also was sharp, totaling 6 points, 9 steals, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists.

First Game

Makos 82 – Dela Cruz 17, Maday 16, Magofna 11, Villagomez 10, Hockins 6, P. Magcalas 7, R, Magcalas 6, Jung 6.

Garapan Rollers II 54 – Cruz 15, Teregeyo 12, Tebuteb 12, Castro 4, Cequena 3, J. Sablan 3, Devro 2, Tellei 2, Avial 2.

Scoring by halves: 57-26, 82-54.

Second Game

69ers II 75 – Maratita 23, Basa 16, J. Arriola 10, Sablan 7, Pangelinan 6, B. Babauta 5, Fujihira 4, Tanaka 2, Travilla 2.

Garapan Rollers III 46 – Dalang 20, Concepcion 6, Basila 6, D. Mateo 5, Untalan 2.

Scoring by halves: 31-19, 75-46.