2nd SMEC-SMLEG hoops tourney underway

The 2nd Annual SMEC-SMLEG Invitational Basketball Tournament 2024 is underway after their first day of games last Sunday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The tournament is organized by the Fraternal Order of Eagles’ Saipan Magalahi Eagles Club and the Saipan Maga’Haga Lady Eagles Group.

In one of the games, K-Pro took down Cumpadres, 67-62. Full names of the rosters weren’t provided by the organizers.

Both teams showcased a level skill set in the first few minutes of the game as they were deadlocked, 8-8, then 10-10. However, K-Pro found their rhythm and left the Cumpadres in their dust with back-to-back baskets from fast-break plays and coast-to-coast plays by their starting five.

With nine minutes left in the first half, K-Pro led by 12, 22-10, as the Cumpadres stagnated after consecutive shots by A. Tabora.

K-Pro continued their offensive onslaught, but the Cumpadres bounced back from J. Gatchalian who caught fire and scored 10-points straight and kept the game close. At the end of the first half, K-Pro sported just a three-point lead, 38-35.

The second half featured a nail-biting battle for the lead, with the game becoming anyone’s to win—but K-Pro pulled ahead and held on to secure a narrow victory, 67-62. K-Pro’s A. Suba led with 22 markers, while R. Macaraig scored 12, and T. Alcasid put up 10.

For the Cumpadres, A. Tabora scored 17, J. Gatchalian had 12, and E. Tabora contributed 11.

In other results of the open division, Unity Trade defeated CTSI-Friendly Market, 85-59; Royal Pacific outlasted Akkari 670 1, 57-55; Mekus slipped past Akkari 2, 78-71; and Flamingo Tavern edged Villaroyal, 71-67.

Results of the U17 division will be posted in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.

The tournament will run every Saturday from 6:30pm to 10pm, and Sunday from 9am to 9pm, until Dec. 22. It is free admission for everyone.

There are two divisions—open and U17.

In the open division, the 12 teams are Unity Trade, Mekus, Villaroyal Pawnshop, Flamingo Tavern, Elite, Royal Pacific/Islander, East Side Cuts, CTSI/Friendly Market 2/DPA Car Mart, K Pro Team, Compadres, Akkari 670 I, and Akkari 670 II.

There are six teams in the U17 division which are 670 Rollers I, 670 Rollers II, Café Meraki—Sophia Althea, Barbie’s Salon—5Ps Colleciones, Triple R Auto Shop, and Ol’Aces.

The sponsors of the tourney are: TSL Foundation, Legends Sports Group, Islander Rent-A-Car, Success International, Triple R Auto Shop, Sophia Althea Jewelry Shop, 9 Eleven Resto Bar, Café Meraki, Royal Pacific Express Cargo, 5Ps Colleciones, Barbie’s Beauty Salon & Gen. Merchandise, Bourbon Street Café & Restaurant, JCE Services LLC, New ChangMing Market, 6JMS Sports Bar & Grill, and Pixley Law Office.

For more information on team registration or sponsorship opportunities, contact Eagle Moises Tagle Jr., SMEC president at saipanmagalahi2021@gmail.com, or (670) 788-1598; or Eagle Dennis Cortez, SMEC BOD/Basketball Committee chair at denzcortez28@gmail.com, or (670) 789-5588.

K-Pro 67 – A. Suba 22, R. Macaraig 12, T. Alcasid 10, J. Jugos 8, L. Lerio 6, A. Fundador 4, J. Joyner 3, M. Capalad 2.

Cumpadres 62 – A. Tabora 17, J. Gatchalian 12, E. Tabora 11, K. Young 6, C. Orosco 4, P. Movilla 4, J. Gunnacao 4, J. Javier 2, #2 2.

Scoring by halves: 35-38, 67-62.