DCCA takes PSS to school

By Shan Seman

Staff Reporter

Defending champions Department of Community and Cultural Affairs Xtremes quickly installed themselves as the team to beat after routing the Public School System, 63-46, in the opening game of the Inter-Government Basketball League last Tuesday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In a rematch of last year’s playoffs, both PSS and DCCA played with a high level of intensity. Veteran playmaker Elias Rangamar, who earlier stated that DCCA is once again the team to beat, quickly backed up his words with his long range shooting as he swooshed three consecutive three-point shots to give DCCA a 17-10 bubble in the first quarter.

PSS narrowed the gap in the second quarter behind current Marianas High School basketball coach Reggie Guerrero.

Guerrero, who was held to a basket in the first quarter, found his stroke and lit up the scoreboard for 9 points in the second quarter. PSS pulled themselves within striking distance just before halftime, and at the break, trailed by just 4 points, 28-24.

At the start of the third quarter, it was pretty obvious that DCCA were the aggressors as they combined to score 23 points, while holding the educators to just 12 points.

The fourth quarter was filled with sloppy ball handling and at the sound of the final buzzer, the defending champs celebrated with a 17-point margin of victory.

Rangamar had his game face on as he scored a game high 23 points, 12 from beyond the arc. Teammates Wayne Pua and Shaun Elameto also had solid performances as they each scored 12 points.

Guerrero led PSS with 15 points, while Walter Taitingfong chipped in with 10.

In the second game of the evening, the Commonwealth Ports Authority played with a lot of confidence and determination as they upset Department of Public Safety, 84-79.

It was a tight game from the start as both teams were hot offensively.

As expected, sharp shooters Elias Saralu and Peter Camacho of DPS had no problems in putting points on the board as they combined to score all 17 of their squad’s points in the opening canto.

Not to be outdone, hotshot Jerome Reyes combined with high-leaping slotman Jawn Joyner to led CPA’s balanced offensive attack and saw their team go into the second quarter with a 22-17 lead.

The second quarter was pretty much the same for DPS as Saralu and Camacho combined to score 15 of their team’s 20 points, but it wasn’t enough as they entered the half trailing CPA by 4 points, 37-41.

The game took a dramatic turn in the fourth quarter. Already with 25 points in the game, Camacho attempted a drive in the lane, but fell awkwardly. He sustained a groin injury in the play and had to leave game.

CPA quickly took advantage of Camacho’s absence as Reyes torched the net for 10 points in the quarter. Forward Mel Tagabuel also found his stroke in the paint as he scored 9 points as CPA pulled off the upset.

Reyes scored a team-high 26 points for CPA, while Tagabuel and Joyner finished with 17 and 13 points respectively.

Saralu led DPS with a game-high 28 points, while Camacho finished with 25 points.

The Inter-Government Basketball League will continue play tonight with DEQ facing DOLI in the first game and CHC pitting talents with NMC in the second game. First game begins at 7pm. Second game will immediately follow.

First Game

DCCA 63 – Rangamar 23, Elameto 12, Pua 12, Limes 6, Mettao 4, Rogolifoi 4, George 2.

PSS 46 — Guerrero 15, Taitingfong 10, McDaniel 6, Despotes 5, Joyce 2, Raulerson 2, Seman 2

Second Game

CPA 84 – Reyes 26, Tagabuel 17, Joyner 13, Diaz 12, Sablan 10, Torres 4, Camacho 2

DPS I – Saralu 28, P. Camacho 25, Olopai 9, Manglona 6, A. Camacho 4, Saures 3, Farley 2