G-Rollers close regular season in style

The 2005 BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League regular season came to an end Friday night, concluding with the G-Rollers finishing their campaign in style via an 80-59 victory over the Tanapag Warriors at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The G-Rollers outscored their opponents in the first three quarters to secure their third win in five nights.

Bull-strong center Kelvin Fitial began the scoring spree with a 3-pointer and a regular field goal and added another deuce to lift his team to an early 15-8 lead.

The lead was too small in the minds of the G-Rollers, but it quickly ballooned in the next 10-minute period as Marianas High School standout Pedro Iguel went berserk and torched the net for 10 points, while Fitial matched his first quarter performance to spearhead a 20-12 run, which resulted in the G-crew resting at the break with a comfortable 15-point breathing room, 35-20.

Action resumed after the halftime break, and so did Iguel’s scoring spree as the young guard continued to torment the opposition, pumping in another 12 points.

Meanwhile, the Warriors began to show positive signs and combined for 17 points, with standout Jeremiah Deleon Guerrero heating up for eight points. The offensive showing, however, was marred by a 23-point effort by the G-Rollers, who led 58-37 with only 10 minutes left in the regular season.

Hoping to jumpstart a comeback, Deleon Guerrero took things into his own hands and began working his magic, breaking loose for an impressive 16 points, including the team’s final 14 points.

The G-Rollers were still far ahead and a couple of triples from Ton Pangelinan sealed the deal.

Iguel finished with team-high 28 points, while Fitial and Pangelinan punched in 20 and 10 points to lead the G-Rollers.

Deleon Guerrero led all scorers with 32 points, while point guard Ziddy Johannes supported him with 12 points.

Despite finishing the regular season without a win on their corner, the Warriors had their shining moments, pressuring several powerhouse teams during their battles.

The much-anticipated playoff rounds are scheduled to unfold May 30. Making up the cast are Toyota Prius, SaipanCell-NMC Hoopaholics, G-Rollers, San Antonio Wildcats, Ulloa’s, and Ghasias 7-Kings.

League official Elias Rangamar earlier said that if possible, he wants the playoffs to feature a double-elimination format. The format, however, depends on availability of funds.

If no money is available to compensate officials—referees, scorers, and timers—the playoffs would feature a single elimination format with a best-of-three championship series.

G-Rollers 80—Iguel 28, Fitial 20, T. Pangelinan 10, Hocking 6, Joe. Tumaquip 6, Teregeyo 4, J. Pangelinan 4, Chariton 2.

Warriors 59—Deleon Guerrero 32, Johannes 12, D. Seidler 6, Suel 4, Magofna 3, San Nicolas 2, Serrano 2.

Scoring by quarters: 15-8, 35-20, 58-37, 80-59.