Ulloa’s complete 25-and-under finals cast

What team will challenge Toyota Prius in the BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League was finally answered Monday night after a determined Ulloa’s team blasted the shorthanded Ghasias 7-Kings, 101-81, at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Ulloa’s played without guard Josh Sablan and forward Gyles Ruluked, but still had enough firepower as they swooshed a swopping 12 shots from downtown to rout their opponents, who were without captain and 2005 scoring champion Freddie Pelisamen.

The 7-Kings, however, got off to a respectable start as forward B.J. Kaipat stepped up his game and knocked in nine points in the opening quarter, while brothers Ben and Jacob Pelisamen shouldered the rest of Ghasias’ run to help their team take a 20-16 lead after the first 10 minutes of play.

Ulloa’s quickly turned the tables on their opponents as veteran John Sablan drilled 10 points, including two triples, to spearhead a 29-18 run that transformed their four-point deficit into a seven-point advantage, 45-38, heading into halftime.

Ulloa’s continued to control the bout, putting up another balanced attack while solidifying their presence from beyond the 3-point arc courtesy of four more bombs by Sablan, who had 14 points in the stanza.

With Sablan right on target, Ulloa’s outscored Ghasias, 31-21, for a 76-59 cushion going into the fourth and final quarter.

Ulloa’s extended their lead to 19 points, but with their season on the line, the 7-Kings came charging back and closed to within 13 points courtesy of full-court pressure and baskets by B.J. Tagabuel and Kaipat.

That was the closest they got, though, as Sablan and company recovered and brought their lead back to a comfortable margin before closing strong.

Sablan finished with a game high 30 points including eight hits from long range while Gus and Tyrone Palacios supported him with 28 and 18 points. Robert Palacios also worked for 10 points.

Kaipat led Ghasias with 23 points while Jacob and Ben Pelisamen contributed 20 and 17 points. Tagabuel also chipped in with 13 points.

With the win, Ulloa’s will take on pennant champion Toyota Prius in tonight’s championship game set to tip off at 6:30pm. A win by Ulloa’s will force the two teams to battle again Friday, while a win by Prius puts an end to another thrilling season.

The twice-to-beat situation for Prius was earned after it went undefeated in the playoffs. Ulloa’s sustained their loss against the G-Rollers to open the playoffs, but bounced back and eliminated the San Antonio Wildcats, the G-Rollers, and the 7-Kings to reach the finals.

For more information on the 25-and-under league, contact Elias Rangamar or Jovie Omar at 664-2502.

Ulloa’s 101—Joh. Sablan 30, G. Palacios 28, T. Palacios 18, R. Palacios 10, D. Palacios 9, Maratita 6.

7-Kings 81—B. Kaipat 23, J. Pelisamen 20, B. Pelisamen 17, Tagabuel 13, Ja. Kaipat 4, Je. Kaipat 2, Rabauliman 2.

Scoring by quarters: 16-20, 45-38, 76-59, 101-89.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Ricky Itaas.