Sixers I continues to cruise, Hoops win

Powerhouse San Antonio Sixers I continue to cruise on the ongoing Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League, notching another win in blow out fashion while Hoops managed to open Thursday’s action on a high note at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The run-and-gun Sixers I dominated from start to finish and by the time they exited the venue, were on the winning side of a 116-51 victory over the young Garapan Rollers III.

The Sixers quickly got the production expected out of guard Manuel Ajoste—ranked third in the league in scoring—as the speedy cager spearheaded another impressive team start with 13 points in the first half.

Ajoste got plenty of support as the rest of the San Antonio crew cruised for a scoring spree that ended with them holding a commanding 25-point cushion at the break, 51-26. Josh Nakashima also had a superb half as he was good for 10 points.

It went from good to better for the Sixers, who showed no mercy and continued to pound away with all their might.

Kevin Cequena, the other half of the team’s one-two punch who ranks fourth in the league in scoring, joined the spree and showcased his skills with 18 points in the final 20 minutes.

Not to be outdone, Ajoste managed to match Cequena’s performance with 18 points of his own.

With the two firing away and everyone else contributing their share, the Sixers I finished after more than doubling the production of their opponents.

The Sixers I scored 30 points from behind the arc, with the players combining for 10 bombs from downtown.

Ajoste finished with a game-high 31 points, 12 of them coming from three-point distance, while Cequena and Nakashima supported with 22 and 16 points. Christian Dela Cruz and Phillip Cequena also added 12 and 11 points for the Sixers I.

Josh Moses led G-III with 18 points while Kyle Concepcion and Champ Untalan contributed 12 and 10 points.

Earlier, Hoops played neck and neck with Bwibwiis before steaming ahead in the second half for a 52-38 victory.

Bwibwiis had slim control of the bout after closing the opening half with a 21-19 lead, but the tables were quickly turned after the break as Hoops put up went to higher gear and brought favor to their corner.

Hoops moved as one unit and had everyone on the court pitch in whatever they could to light up the scoreboard for 33 points while holding the Bwibwiis to 17 points for the win.

Foster Dela Cruz of Hoops was the game’s top scorer with 15 points while Donatus Somol and Ben Lisua led Bwibwiis with nine points apiece.

First Game

Hoops 52—Dela Cruz 15, Palacios 8, Fejeran 5, T. Esteves 4, Manglona 4, Delos Reyes 4, Jung 3, Norita 3, Mendoza 2, King 2, Masga 2.

Bwibwiis 38—Somol 9, B. Lisua 9, R. Laniyo 6, Litulimar 4, Moteisou 3, M. Lisua 2, Peter 2, Rabauliman 2, A. Laniyo 1.

Scoring by halves: 19-21, 52-38.
Referees: Jess Pacheco and Dado Vistal.

Second Game

Sixers I 116—M. Ajoste 31, K. Cequena 22, Nakashima 16, Dela Cruz 12, P. Cequena 11, Salas 8, J. Bahillo 6, Manansala 4, Lim 4, J. Bahillo 2.

G-Rollers III 51—Moses 18, Concepcion 12, Untalan 10, Deleon Guerrero 3, Lebria 2, Delos Santos 2.

Scoring by halves: 51-26, 116-51.

Referees: Noel Delso Santos and Jess Pacheco.