FMS beats HMS in rivalry game

It had the vibes of a championship game as the crowd’s cheers nearly brought the gym down during the finals rematch of southside rivals Francisco M. Sablan Middle School Napu Riders and Hopwood Middle School Hilitais in the IT&E Interscholastic Boys Middle School Basketball League 2024-2025 last Friday.

The raucous atmosphere at the Marianas High School Gymnasium mirrored the intensity on the court, as the defending champion Hilitais suffered their first loss of the season, 17-20, while FMS extended their undefeated streak to six games.

The game was hotly contested from the opening jump ball, keeping fans on the edge of their seats with non-stop back-and-forth action that initially favored HMS. FMS and HMS were deadlocked early, but more accurate shooting from HMS eventually gave them an 11-7 lead.

However, that lead evaporated as HMS faltered down the stretch. Crucial free throws by FMS’ Jairus Pangilinan, with just over a minute left, became the turning point.

The gym was deafening as an undefeated record and school pride hung in the balance. The score was tied 17-17, but a foul on Pangilinan proved decisive as he sank both free throws, making it 19-17.

Despite the mounting pressure and the clock winding down, the gritty Hilitais refused to quit. Yet FMS held firm, and HMS, despite a few chances to tie, couldn’t convert.

With less than 10 seconds left, Logan Daniel was fouled, sending the Napu Riders to the free throw line once more. Daniel went 1 for 2, sealing the 3-point victory, 20-17.

Throughout the second half, the lead swung back and forth as neither team could break free from the other. HMS’ Leon Galarse pushed the pace with fast-break plays, but FMS’ defense held strong.

HMS held 2-point leads at various points, but FMS kept responding—tying the game at 11-11, 13-13, and 15-15. FMS eventually pulled ahead 17-15, but HMS’ Steven Tudela drove inside to tie it one final time at 17-17, though HMS couldn’t capitalize on the momentum.

In the end, Daniel led FMS with 14 points, while Galarse led HMS with eight.

In other results that night, HMS JV defeated Mount Carmel School JV, 31-6; Dandan Middle School JV trounced Chacha Ocean View Middle School, 37-5; Tanapag Middle School took down Saipan Community School, 20-4; COVMS edged DMS, 49-27; and MCS shot down Grace Christian Academy, 43-11.

FMS 20 – Daniel 14, Rogolifoi 2, Tenorio 2, Pangilinan 2.

HMS 17 – Galarse 8, Abejo 5, Louis 2, Tudela 2.

Scoring by halves: 11-9; 20-17.