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Sixers II edges Sparks, 54-42
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Posted on Sep 22 2004
After Monday’s cancellation, action in the 2004 Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League continued Tuesday, albeit only one game was played instead of the regular doubleheader.
But the lone game didn’t disappoint, as the two teams that played in the 5:30pm scheduled match played their hearts out.
But like all games someone had to leave with the victory and that happened to be Sixers II (4-3), who managed to nose out Sparks (3-5) in a cliffhanger, 54-52.
It was nip and tuck right from the opening tip-off with neither team giving the other the opportunity to break away. But Sparks would get contributions from just about everyone and entered halftime with a 54-52 advantage.
It was a shootout between Ben Jones, Jr. of Sparks and Mike Eclevia of Sixers II as the second half got underway. As the two took turns puncturing the hoops, the game slowly took on the form of a chess match with Sixers II coach Ryan Nisperos and Sparks mentor George Cruz substituting at will, trying to find the right combination.
Soon Eclevia would get much needed help from Manuel Ajoste and Jason Bahillo, as Sixers II grabbed the initiative.
But Sparks would find their second wind and the game remained close. Sixers II threw everything at their opponents but the resolute Sparks just kept coming back.
However, following two charities by Bahillo, Sixers II would have the last say as Eclevia tossed in the marginal baskets at crunch time to help Sixers II notch the tightrope win.
Eclevia paced all scorers with 16 markers, while Bahillo and Ajoste tossed in 10 points apiece in the victory. Ben Jones led Sparks’ losing cause with 11 points. Raffy San Nicolas added 6 points, all in the first half.
The 18-and-under Rotary league resumes tonight with 69ers I taking on Chalan Kanoa Saints in the 5:30am opener. The 7pm second game then pits Sixers II against Garapan Rollers II.
Sixers II 54 – Eclevia 16, Ajoste 10, Bahillo 10, Ferrer 6, F. Palacios 4, Kaipat 3, Kintz 2, Apello 2, E. Palacios 1.
Sparks 52 – Ben Jones 11, San Nicolas 6, Ulloa 6, Diaz 6, Mario 5, J. Iguel 4, E. Guel 4, Reyes 4, Ber. Jones 3, Ogarto 2, Manibusan 1.
Scoring by halves: 27-28, 54-52.
