Mobil cage league unfolds this evening

The wait for the start of the much-anticipated 2005 Mobil Oil Co-ed Invitational Basketball League ends this evening as all 10 teams will make their way to the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium for a kick-off parade, followed by reigning champion Aqua Resort Club beginning their defense of its title.

This according to league director Abner Venus, who confirmed yesterday that all teams must gather at the Ada Gym by 5pm for a brief parade followed by an opening ceremony, which will include all teams aside from ARC drawing for team numbers, which would be used to determine the 2005 regular season schedule.

Whoever ends up as team No. 2 would face Aqua Resort in the opener—to be played immediately after the ceremony—while No. 3 and No. 4 will battle in the second game.

Joining ARC in the hunt for this year’s crown are Microl-Toyota, Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach, Pacific Development Inc., Commonwealth Utilities Corp., Commonwealth Ports Authority, Hyatt Regency Saipan, newcomers McDonald’s and the CNMI Women’s National Team, and host Mobil Oil Marianas.

Due to the fold up of its operations in the Marianas, Pacific Island Aviation has pulled out of the annual basketball competition.

Mobil representative Jojo Dadivas indicated that the league would provide an opportunity for the women’s squad to further enhance their skills as they prepare for regional competitions.

Unlike other females in the league, Dadivas said males would be allowed to play defense against the national squad. As for other women in other teams, a technical foul will be issued to any male defending them. Females in other teams, however, will play only in the first and third quarters.

Dadivas also stressed that every one showing up for games must play.

“It’s going to be interesting this year,” Dadivas said. “We have newcomers McDonald’s and the national team, and we not only the players, but also the public has been anticipating the start of this league. It’s the only co-ed commercial league on island, and we want to promote sportsmanship and camaraderie and just want everyone to have fun.”

Opening day will also be filled with other attractions, including ladies free throw and men’s three-point contests at halftime of the first two games, free give-aways such as Mobil umbrellas, hats, and shirts, as well as a banquet provided by each team.

Games of the Mobil invitational are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays at the Oleai Sports Complex venue. The first game is scheduled at 6:30pm with the second game expected to start at 8pm or immediately after the first game.

Dadivas said teams have until their second game to revise their roster, and can’t see action until all waiver forms are signed and submitted. Female players, however, can be changed or added to the roster throughout the season.

Venus said the league would have a single-round elimination, with the Top 4 teams advancing to the Final Four.

In the semifinals, the top seed goes up against the fourth seed and the No. 2 and No. 3 teams square off. Victors of both contests advance to the winner-take-all championship.

Aqua Resort emerged as champion of the Mobil invitational after defeating Mobil in a winner-take-all finals match, 103-93, last May 23 at the Ada Gym.

The win snapped a 13-year title draught for the Achague-based hotel. The Mobil crown was previously worn by Tan Holdings Co. (2001), Microl (2002), and PDI (2003).

For more information on the 2005 Mobil Oil Marianas Invitational Co-ed Basketball League, contact Venus at 287-5911 or Dadivas at 483-3363.