Rollers 1 slips past Ol’Aces, 61-59

670 Rollers 1 had their work cut out for them later in the game over the rallying Ol’Aces as they won by just 2 points, 61-59, in the U17 division of the 2nd Annual SMEC-SMLEG Invitational Basketball Tournament 2024 last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Ol’Aces was down by 19 points at the end of the first half after the Rollers started off strong. They were at a 3-19 deficit from multiple miscues and turnovers with 13 minutes left. Then, Theo Joab turned on the afterburners and made back-to-back layups and secured a 3-pointer to make it 14-21.

But the Rollers finally got out of their slump and stopped Ol’Aces in their tracks for a 26-14 game with less than seven minutes left.

Man-to-man defense and full court presses was the name of the game as Ol’Aces upped the pressure, but the Rollers managed to slip by with good ball handling and accurate takes at the net.

With less than five minutes left, the Rollers led, 30-16. Ol’Aces labored through the final minutes and put up just five more points, while the Rollers scored 10 more for a 40-21 lead at the end of the half.

But from there in the second half, the rallying Ol’Aces didn’t make the win easy for the Rollers. Ol’Aces got better takes at the basket and closed the gap quickly.

Despite a rough start for Ol’Aces, it became anybody’s game in the second half. The Rollers’ leading scorer Kian Helgen and J.P. Pineda did everything they could on both ends to ensure they land the win and stop Ol’Aces’ comeback short.

The Rollers though, watched as their lead dwindled and Ol’Aces’ confidence on the court became palpable. However, in the end, when it came down to it, the Rollers’ Helgen landed the deciding 2 points and secured the win, 61-59.

Helgen led the game with 18 points, Pineda contributed 12 markers, and Dany Defang and Kachu Norech put up twin 10 points each.

Joab led Ol’Aces with 11, while brother Omari scored 10, followed by Javen Camacho’s eight points.

Results of the open division games last Saturday and Sunday will be posted in the next issues of Saipan Tribune.

Ol’Aces 59 – T. Joab 11, O. Joab 10, Javen Camacho 8, Eriich 7, Tang 7, Seman 6, Rangamar 2, D. Joab 2, #18 2, Capalad 1, Taitano 1.

670 Rollers 1 – Helgen 18, Pineda 12, Defang 10, Norech 10, Sasamoto 5, Villagomez 2, Huang 2, Camacho 2.

Scoring by halves: 40-21, 61-59.