Proa, Verizon close regular season on high note

The 2005 Masters Basketball League regular season came to an end Saturday at the Northern Marianas College, with the 45-and-over Heinz and Dave Proa and the 35-andover Verizon closing on a high note.

Less than 24 hours from the time he helped lift Proa in the 35-and-over league with seven triples, sniper Rufino Aguon was back on the hardcourt and again put on a shooting lesson for all in attendance.

Aguon surpassed his previous performance, dumping in a whopping nine shots from long distance, spearheading the 45-and-over Proa team to a 95-87 victory over the Chalan Kanoa Legends II.

Aguon also worked well inside the arc and finished with a game-high 37 points to lead Proa, while Poland Yamada, Ray Macduff, and Ed Manalili finished in double figures to give solid support.

Both teams had a fair share of makes and miscues in the opening half, but favor quickly swung in Proa’s corner at the start of the second half as the team went off for 38 points while limiting the Legends II to 16 points to take a comfortable 67-53 lead heading into the payoff period.

Aguon was on fire in the process as he drilled in six three pointers and a regular field goal for 20 points while Manalili pounded his way for 10 points.

The Legends II put on a better show in a desperation attack in the fourth period as Lilio Tiples and Ray Basa swooshed 12 and 11 points in the final 10 minutes, but their efforts came to no avail as Proa continued to put up points on the board, with Aguon adding another 11 points to his name and Macduff going of for 10 points to help Proa seal the deal.

Manalili finished with 21 points, Macduff with 19, and Yamada with 16 points for Proa.

Tiples led the Legends II with 20 points while Mike Muna and Basa finished with 19 and 18 points. Joe Pangelinan and June Miday also clocked in 12 and 10 points.

Later in the day, Verizon took advantage of a shorthanded C.K. Legends squad in the 35-and-over competition and dialed up a 141-99 blow out.

The Legends only had four players, however, worked out an agreement with officials and Verizon to get the game going.

Verizon made sure an upset will not be strung, quickly taking advantage of the Legends’ handicap and outscored their opponents 39-22 in the opening period.

The lead continued to grow and by the time the third quarter came to an end, Verizon had all but secured the win, holding a 41-point advantage, 109-68.

Still not satisfied, Verizon continued to roll on high gear and closed out strong for the 42-point victory margin.

Danny Bicera and Gary Cabrera were nailing shots left and right and led Verizon with 47 and 40 points while Elmer Pineda and Tony Sablan added 27 and 17 points. Frank Babauta chipped in 10 points.

Tiples, Miday, Muna, and Alex Garcia each showcased their endurance as the four played well despite playing their second straight game of the day.

Tiples finished with 40 points, Miday with 25, and Muna with 22 for the Legends. Garcia also added 12 points.

Also, Pepsi picked up a free win as Diamond Fixers failed to suit up enough players for their 35-and-over bout.

Meanwhile, Aguon said the MBL playoffs will begin on Sept. 16, citing that many players competing in the league will also take part in this coming weekend’s Saipan International Fishing Tournament.

First Game

Proa 95—Aguon 37, Manalili 21, Macduff 19, Yamada 16, David 2.

Legends II 87—Tiples 20, Muna 19, Basa 18, Pangelinan 12, Miday 10, Garcia 8.

Scoring by quarters: 21-19, 29-37, 67-53, 95-87.

Referees: Abner Venus and Elmer Pineda.

Second Game

Verizon 141—Bicera 47, Cabrera 40, Pineda 27, Sablan 17, Babauta 10.

Legends 99—Tiples 40, Miday 25, Muna 22, Garcia 12.

Scoring by quarters: 39-22, 65-46, 109-68, 141-99.

Referees: Arnold Mesa and Jess Pacheco.