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Perfect Hoopaholics keep hot streak going
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Posted on Apr 12 2005
The SaipanCell-NMC Hoopa-holics extended their perfect run Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, scoring when needed in crunch time to beat a determined San Antonio Wildcats squad, 78-74, in the ongoing BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League.
The Hoops players showed why they are currently on top of the team standings, putting up an 8-4 run in the final two minutes to win their sixth game in as many outings of the season.
Hoopaholic had to work from behind at the start though as the Wildcats came out firing and took a 20-17 lead after the first 10 minutes of play.
Not intimidated by the league leaders, San Antonio continued to run on all cylinders and remained ahead of the opposition while increasing their lead to four points at the break, 38-34.
After a little pep talk from their coaching staff, Team Hoops began to make their push. Slotman Mel Manibusan and guards Justin Fejeran and Jason Amado spearheaded a run-and-gun attack that was too much to handle for the Wildcats, who saw their advantage turn into a nine-point deficit in a span of 10 minutes, 52-61.
The Wildcats, however, were not going down without a fight and began to fight their way closer. Down 64-70, the Wildcats got a huge lift from J.R. Ngeskebei, who drilled consecutive jumpers from long range to tie the score at 70 apiece.
Pete Mendiola quickly responded with a successful drive in the lane to put Team Hoops up 72-70.
The Wildcats had several opportunities to take the lead in the dying minutes, but tough defense from the Hoopaholics and clutch jumpers by Jeremy Sablan enabled the SaipanCell-NMC squad to survive despite playing minus key men James Villacrusis and Sivas Awes.
Fejeran and Amado finished with 18 points each to lead Hoopaholics, while Ngeskebei led the Wildcats with 16 points.
Hoopaholics 78—Fejeran 18, Amado 14, Manibusan 10, Sablan 10, Lee 9, Mendiola 9, Diaz 6, Kapwich 2.
Wildcats 74—Ngeskebei 16, Lizama 13, Taitano 9, Ranas 8, Sablan 6, Basa 5, Kapileo 4, Kiko 4, Yu 4.
Scoring by quarters: 17-20, 34-38, 61-52, 79-74.
Referees: Noel Delos Santos and Mike White.
