Dai-Ichi survives scare, Microl wins

Dai-Ichi Hotel Saipan Beach built a comfortable lead and managed to stave off a late charge by McDonald’s to add another victory to its corner, 88-82, as action in the Mobil Oil Mariana Islands Co-ed Basketball League continued Tuesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The hoteliers and the popular fastfood restaurant were neck and neck in the opening period, matching each other throughout the 10 minutes, with Dai-Ichi posting a 22-20 advantage.

Despite having only six players suiting up, Dai-Ichi floored the gas pedal and began firing away. Ariel Jinang caught fire from beyond the 3-point arc and connected for three bombs, while point guard Elmer Esdrelon added another to highlight an impressive run that featured only two McDonald’s players putting the ball through the hoop. At the break, Dai-Ichi led 49-36.

Not satisfied with her four points in the first period, cage belle Okohira Noe returned to the court at the start of the second half and tormented the opposition, while leading Dai-Ichi to a bigger lead.

The all-around guard dribbled past defenders for layups, nailed short jumpers, and connected on two long-range shots for 14 points, propelling Dai-Ichi to a commanding 72-52 cushion with only a period left in regulation.

There was still 10 minutes of action remaining and the McDonald’s cagers knew that was more than enough time to get back into contention.

McDonald’s opened with a 12-5 run in the first three minutes of the quarter, cutting the lead to 64-77. They followed that up with a 7-0 run courtesy of layups by William Opone, Michael Achas, and Francis Rebuyon to come within single digits, 71-79, with under five minutes, and continued to power through the tired Dai-Ichi squad.

McDonald’s closed the gap to just six points, 80-86, on another layup by Rebuyon with two minutes left, but that was all they could muster, giving Dai-Ichi the win due to miss shots and a crucial turnover.

Jinang led Dai-Ichi with 19 points, while Esdrelon and Noe pumped in 18 points apiece. Ferdie Tobias also chipped in 16 points.

Rebuyon topped McDonald’s with a game-high 25 points, while Opone and Michael Achas finished with 20 and 12 points.

Earlier in the evening, Noelle Calvo exploded for 32 points in the third quarter to lift Microl-Toyota over the Commonwealth Utilities Corp., 115-84.

Calvo finished with 36 points to lead all scorers, while Oscar Sablan led CUC with 27 points.

First Game

Microl-Toyota 115—Calvo 36, Abuy 21, Sablan 19, Catalla 14, Factor 12, De Guzman 5, Lezana 4, Masga 3.

CUC 84—Sablan 27, Marchadez 12, Poquiz 9, Laniyo 8, Manibusan 8, Lebria 6, B. Norita 4, Lieto 4, Elameto 2.

Scoring by quarters: 25-21, 49-36, 85-66, 115-84.

Referees: Ray Lizama and Noel Delos Santos.

Second Game

Dai-Ichi 88—Jinang 19, Noe 18, Esdrelon 18, Tobias 16, Alipala 9, Galag 9.

McDonald’s 82—Rebuyon 25, Upone 20, M. Achas 12, Gapuz 11, Yang 4, J. Achas 3, L. Achas 2.

Scoring by quarters: 22-20, 49-36, 72-52, 88-82.

Referees: Jess Pacheco and Noel Delos Santos.