Inter gov’t/biz league underway; Priority Care gets 1st dibs

The 2nd Annual R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Gov’t/Business League 2024 went underway last Monday with a parade of teams and an opening game at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

About 30 minutes after the opening ceremony attended by Lt. Gov. David M. Apatang, Northern Marianas Sports Association president Jerry Tan, Northern Mariana Islands Basketball Federation president James Lee, and NMIBF members, the league opened with the first game between defending champions PSS and second place Priority Care.

Apatang tossed the ceremonial jump ball before a group photo that signaled the start of the league.

The opening game was a finals rematch between PSS and Priority Care. Priority Care sought vengeance and got the taste of victory, 78-59, after falling short last season.

This time around, Priority Care was a force to be reckoned with and took it out all on the court against the educators that schooled them. Priority Care controlled the game early on as their starting five’s defense was impenetrable.

PSS could not get their footing right and Priority Care had a double-digit lead just a few minutes in. At the end of the first, they were up by 20, 25-5. Priority Care’s Steve King then took it upon himself to extend their lead from downtown with three back-to-back threes to open up the second quarter.

He went on a shooting rampage from there with help from Ray Agulto and Marvin Rebauliman. Meanwhile, PSS tried to get going and managed to put up double digits, but by then, Priority Care’s lead was insurmountable.

By the end of the second, Priority Care led, 47-26. After a disappointing first half, PSS regrouped and tried to come out stronger in the second half. However, the duo of Melvin Sakisat and Mii Tekopua wasn’t enough to overcome Priority Care’s dominance on the court.

In the end, King blew everyone out of the water with 42 points, while Rabauliman was the only other player in double digits with 11. As for PSS, Sakisat put up 17, while Tekopua was right behind at 16 points.

The 12 teams in the league are PSS, Priority Care, Docomo Pacific, IT&E, Marpac, CUC, E-Land, CPA, Foremost-Coca Cola/Subway, DFEMS, Feds, and CHCC.

Games are every Monday, Tuesday, and some Wednesdays at 6pm and 7:30pm; and Saturday at 3pm and 4:30pm—all at the Ada Gym.

Entrance fee for general admission is $3, while VIP is $6.

In the opening ceremony remarks of Apatang before the first game, he bid the teams to have fun.

As for Tan in his remarks, he said, “I just want to acknowledge the support coming from the 12 teams, because it’s not free, right? And it’s been raining a lot lately, as we all know. So, it’s pretty cool to be sitting here tonight, enjoying the air con, even for the spectators, and you don’t have to worry about the rest of the season, because all of you will be playing in this Ada Gym, which we’re so happy that we’re able to put an air con. We’re really, really happy to see all of you taking your time and interest to continue playing your favorite game called basketball. So good luck to the season and just keep enjoying the season until mid-January.”

Then, the league commissioner, NMIBF’s Marlene Lumabi, said, “Today, we celebrate not just the game, but the spirit of teamwork, dedication, and community that basketball embodies. As we lace up our sneakers and hit the court, let’s take a moment to reflect on what this season means. It’s not just about points on the scoreboard, it’s about the friendships we’ll forge, the lessons we’ll learn and the memories we’ll create. Every practice and game is an opportunity to grow, not just as players, but as individuals… Play with heart, respect your opponents, and, most importantly, have fun.”

Priority Care 78 – King 42, Rabauliman 11, Agulto 9, Aldan 8, Elameto 6, Maratita 2.

PSS 59 – Sakisat 17, Tekopua 16, Pineda 9, Itibus 5, Basa 2, Guinto 2, Pascual 2, Mendiola 2, Mendez 2, #2 2.

Scoring by quarters: 25-5, 47-26, 59-44, 78-59.