OUTRIGGER MICRONESIAN BASKETBALL TOURNEY Guam women win gold

Guam 94, Palau 40

Majuro –– It was “all smiles” for Guam as they cruised to a decisive 94-40 victory over Palau in the women’s gold medal game of the Outrigger Micronesian Basketball Tournament 2000.

Applying a tenacious full court pressure defensive at the start of the game, Guam jumped to an early 6-0 lead and never looked back. Guam went into half with 44-11 advantage by creating and making high percentage shots from Palau turnovers and costly mistakes.

The early lead proved to be insurmountable as the second half was a mere formality. Guam remained undefeated for the tournament, never winning by less than 40 points. In only their second defeat, (both by Guam), Palau took an impressive 2nd place overall standing and received a silver medal for the tournament.

Iona Evangelista had another impressive performance with 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 steals. Evangelista also took Player of the Game honors. Helena Fernandez (19 points), Selina Tereas (19 points), and Kristina French (9 rebounds) were main contributors for Guam. Palau’s Heather Ketebengan (15 points) and Eunice Asao (11 rebounds) were other game notables.

Palau 67, Guam 60

In a history-making win, Palau men upset Guam. It is the first time ever that Guam has lost a game to a Micronesian team. From the beginning of the game, Guam appeared a little sluggish. Palau was beating Guam in every way imaginable. For Palau, shots were going in and rebounds were being grabbed.

During the first half, Guam was just unable to make any sort of offensive charge. The halftime score was Palau 39 and Guam 38. In the second, Palau picked up where they had left off in the first.

Palau’s patience in shot selection was rewarded with a late 8-point lead. Guam was able to cut it to six with a minute left. Unfortunately for Guam, it was a little too late. Palau wins an
absolutely thrilling contest 67 to 60.

Guam’s John Paul Taimanglo led all scorers with 22 points. Another major contributor for Guam was Lloyd Lagutang (15 points). The leading scorer for Palau was Arlee Maidezil with 20 points. Other contributors were Yukata Gibbons Jr. (15 points and 10 rebounds) and Weston Ketebengang (11 points). The player of the game was Yukata Gibbons Jr.

RMI 83, Pohnpei 59

The Outrigger Micronesian Basketball Tournament 2000 began the final day’s afternoon session with a bronze medal contest between RMI and Pohnpei. The first half of the game started slowly. Both teams struggled finding their offensive rhythm. Pohnpei took a narrow three-point lead into half.

The second half was much different than the first. RMI had no problem finding their offensive groove. RMI’s smooth ball movement and accurate three point shooting helped them to take control of the game. The final score was RMI 83 and Pohnpei 59.

RMI’s Justin Dorhman took home Player of the Game honors with an outstanding offensive performance. Dorham had a double double (17 points and 12 rebounds). Other contributors for RMI were Floyd Corder (14 points), Peter Tokonang (12 points), and Mouj Lewi (12 points).

Castro Joab and Mitchell Neth led Pohnpei with 14 and 12 points, respectively.