Masters Construction survives down-the-wire thriller

Michelob-Masters Construction caught a huge break in the dying seconds of Wednesday night’s 2005 Budweiser Cup BANMI Men’s Island-wide Basketball League bout and downed O’Douls-Ol’Aces, 85-83, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

With the game knotted at 83-83 and just 36 seconds left on the clock, Mario Sablan, who was a part of the Ford Rangers squad that won the Saipan Major League championship on Sunday, continued to have a memorable week as the guard stole an inbounds pass to give Masters Construction possession.

He coasted down court for a fastbreak layup, and despite missing the shot, Masters Construction still grabbed the lead as former national player Ed Diaz ran down as trailer, got the rebound, and made good on his putback attempt for the win.

The Ol’Aces had a chance at forcing overtime, but were not able to put the ball through the hoop before time expired.

The game was tightly fought right from the beginning, with the Ol’Aces using their run-and-gun style of play to take a 29-22 lead after the first period, and Masters Construction recovering and storming ahead in the second quarter for a 48-44 halftime lead.

The two teams traded baskets in the third period, which ended with the Ol’Aces regaining the advantage by the slimmest of margins, 66-65.

With their quick transition working well for them, the Ol’Aces managed to go on an 11-2 tear to start the fourth quarter with a 77-67 lead, but the lead was soon sliced as Tony Diaz nailed three consecutive shots capped by a triple to bring Masters Construction closer.

Several free throws and another field goal enabled Masters Construction to tie the score, setting the stage for the finish.

Tony Diaz led all scorers with 29 points, while Ed Diaz contributed 19 points for Masters Construction. Dave Sablan also finished with 13 points.

Dan Barcinas paced Ol’Aces with 19 points, while Jack Lizama and Shan Seman supported with 17 and 14 points.

In the second game, two-time defending champion Bud Light-Toyota bounced back from their season opening loss to Masters Construction with a 98-95 victory over Bacardi-Masters Selection.

The game was even for most of the first half, which ended with both teams tied at 49-apiece.

Toyota then kicked it up a notch and closed the third period up by six points, 79-73, but the Masters Selection cagers weren’t ready to throw in the towel and gave their opponents a run in the closing moments before coming up short.

Taj Van Buren led Toyota with 24 points, while Elias Saralu and Junior Renguul added 21 and 15 points. Romeo Iginoef and Elias Rangamar also chipped in 14 and 13 points.

Richard Brostrom led Masters Selection with a game-high 27 points, while Joe Punzalan and Bruce Berline contributed 15 and 14 points. Gilbert Espinosa also added 11 points.

Last Monday, Marpac-Nissan Titans made an impressive debut and defeated Anheuser-3’s Construction, 92-79, and the SaipanCell Hoopaholics fought off a seven-point halftime deficit to beat Masters Selection, 74-69.

Wednesday
First Game
Masters Construction 85—Ton. Diaz 29, E. Diaz 19, D. Sablan 13, Tano 13, M. Sablan 7, Mendiola 4.
Ol’Aces 83—Barcinas 19, Lizama 17, Seman 14, Olaitiman 8, Iguel 7, Tagabuel 6, Kaipat 5, Matagolai 5, Dillay 2.
Scoring by quarters: 22-29, 48-44, 65-66, 85-83.
Referees: Jess Pacheco and Arnold Mesa.

Second Game
Toyota 98—Van Buren 24, Saralu 21, Renguul 15, Iginoef 14, Rangamar 13, Camacho 9, Celes 2.
Masters 95—Brostrom 27, Punzalan 15, Berline 14, Espinosa 11, Aguon 8, Muna 8, Tamondong 7, Raho 5.
Scoring by quarters: 23-26, 49-49, 79-73, 98-95.
Referees: Noel Delos Santos and Dado Vistal.

Monday
First Game
Nissan 92—Estolas 24, Fitial 14, Rasa 12, Joyner 10, Aaron 6, Lashley 6, Wesley 5, Quitugua 4, Wallace 4, Camacho 2.
3’s Construction 79—Factor 13, Cequena 12, Peredo 12, De Guzman 8, Cecilia 8, De Dios 8, Barbo 7, Muleta 4, Artates 4, Mendoza 2, Bicera 2.
Scoring by quarters: 23-7, 44-29, 60-54, 92-79.
Referees: Dado Vistal and Jess Pacheco.

Second Game
Hoopaholics 74—Amado 17, Sablan 12, Awes 11, Sablan 8, Hardt 6, Mendiola 6, Manibusan 5, Alegre 4, Diaz 2, Villacrusis 2, Garcia 1.
Masters 69—Brostrom 24, Tamondong 18, Punzalan 10, Espinosa 8, Muna 7, Raho 2.
Scoring by quarters: 21-19, 33-40, 50-56, 74-69.
Referees: Arnold Mesa and Noel Delos Santos.