Marpac reigns over CPA, 87-80

Marpac-Budweiser reigned over CPA, 87-80, in the 2nd Annual R&J Wine and Liquor Inter-Gov’t/Business League 2024 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Marpac bounced back in the second half after trailing in the first half by a few points. CPA had the upper hand and momentum in the first and second quarter, but gassed out later, while Marpac turned on their afterburners and rallied for a comeback.

Hustle plays by Marpac was their forte as their offensive was led by dynamic shooters Chioni Dela Cruz, Coby Santos, and Jeffrey Castro.

After being down by close to double digits in the second quarter, Marpac closed the gap quickly and a hustle buzzer-beater by Dela Cruz made it a 37-40 game. Marpac only went up from there and drowned out CPA’s noise from beyond the arc and from fast-break plays.

Dela Cruz found himself in a groove with two more 3-pointers, while Santos provided cover from within. CPA found themselves playing catchup after a knotted game, 47-47, 49-49, then 51-51, and 54-54.

CPA’s Donovan Brennan did all he could from downtown and in the paint, but at this point, Marpac began to pull away. CPA had missed opportunities as Marpac upped their defensive pressure and soon, they were up, 63-57. The biggest lead Marpac had was 13 points in the fourth quarter when Dela Cruz, Santos, and Jeffrey Castro had a free for all.

But CPA didn’t back down and made last minute runs at the basket to lessen the lead, 80-85 with just 40 seconds left. They couldn’t quite reverse the damage with less than 30 seconds left though, as Marpac added two more points and clinched the W.

Dela Cruz delivered 28 points, while Santos was right behind at 27, and Castro scored 11. Meanwhile, Brennan put up a game high 34 markers, David Camacho had 17, and Greg Deleon Guerrero scored 15.

In the other game that day, Priority Care demolished E-Land, 76-49.

Last Tuesday, Federallys broke Coca-Cola, 80-61, and CPA came back with a vengeance to hand IT&E their first loss, 99-70.

Marpac 87 – Dela Cruz 28, Santos 27, Castro 11, Mettao 10, Lee 4, Diaz 4, Sablan 3.

CPA 80 – Brennan 34, Camacho 17, Deleon Guerrero 15, Robert 12, Diaz 2.

Scoring by quarters: 18-22, 37-40, 67-58, 87-80.