Sixers I alone on top of IVYBL

The San Antonio Sixers I are alone on top of the ongoing 2006 Island-wide Village Youth Basketball League after the team from the south defeated rival Garapan Rollers I Monday in a battle of unbeatens at the Garapan Basketball Court.

Both teams entered sporting perfect records and riding on six-game winning streaks, however, only one was able to hold on to the unbeaten run.

Fortunately for coach Ray Duenas his San Antonio crew was able to survive and grab the driver’s seat for the pennant crown as the Sixers stopped G-I, 48-39.

The San Antonio cagers had their work cut out for them though as G-I rallied and put up a strong attack in the second half after being dominated in the first two periods.

Favor in the first period was on the Sixers I’s corner as the team entered the game with focus and limited their opponents to just six points, while streaking ahead for 15 points for the nine-point edge.

Matt Duenas and Justin Alexander did most of the damage as the two combined for eight points for the southern squad.

The Sixers I continued to push at will and expanded their lead as they held G-I to just six points again, while pushing the right buttons for another 14 points. With that, San Antonio saw its lead balloon and enjoyed a 17-point cushion, 29-12, at halftime.

It was too early to celebrate, though, as G-I began fighting back. The tables quickly turned as the Garapan-based squad picked up their defensive intensity and outscored their opponents, 12-5, to cut the deficit to within striking distance, 24-34, with one period remaining.

G-I veteran Jericho Cruz tried to lead his team back and did pretty well in the closing minutes as he went off for 10 points. The G-Rollers were able to score more than the Sixers, but it just wasn’t enough as San Antonio had enough juice to hold on for the nine-point victory margin.

Duenas and Nathan Flores led San Antonio with 10 points apiece, while Cruz topscored for G-I with 16 points.

With the loss, G-I now holds a 6-1 record and is just a game ahead of the Saints, who improved to 5-2 after beating the winless Matansa Sparks Tuesday evening at the San Roque court.

League-leading scorer Luizi Reyes showcased his scoring skills and got a lot of help from Zack Tudela, who also ranks among the top scorers in the league, to lead the Saints to a 66-34 victory.

After a slow start in which Ryan Camacho punched in six points to help the Sparks open with a 7-5 lead, Tudela and company took over and swung favor to their corner. Tudela pumped in seven points, while Reyes and Iglecias boys Travis and Vince each had four points to propel the Saints to a 24-17 lead at the break.

With momentum, the Saints continued to steam ahead as Reyes poured in another 12 points while Tudela added six, spearheading a 24-12 run that resulted in a 48-29 lead at the end of three periods.

It was cruise control from there as the Saints dominated the final minutes to stroll to victory.

Reyes and Tudela finished with 26 and 18 points to lead the Saints, while Dave Jones and Camacho paced the Sparks with 12 and 10 points.

Tuesday
Saints 66 – L. Reyes 26, Tudela 18, V. Iglecias 8, T. Iglecias 6, Aldan 2, J. Reyes 2, Baza 2, Feria 2.
Sparks 34 – Jones 12, R. Camacho 10, Sablan 5, B. Camacho 4, Gapor 1.
Scoring by quarters: 5-7, 24-17, 48-29, 66-34.
Referees: Jonathan Tenorio and Jovie Omar.

Monday
Sixers I 48 – M. Duenas 10, Flores 10, Alexander 8, Salas 4, Mendoza 4, Echon 2, Santos 2, C. Duenas 2, Pepito 2, Ajoste 2, Bautista 2.
G-I 39 – Cruz 16, Diaz 4, Deleon Guerrero 3, Concepcion 3, Moses 3, Lebria 2, Pangelinan 2, Jung 2, Kim 2, Calvo 2.
Scoring by quarters: 15-6, 29-12, 34-24, 48-39.
Referees: Joe Mettao and Jovie Omar.