Sixers II, Sparks turn back oppositions in Rotary

The San Antonio Sixers II and Matansa Sparks were successful in their Saipan Rotary Summer Youth Basketball League bouts Thursday evening, leaving the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium on the winning side.

In the opener, the Sixers II used a well balanced offensive attack to spoil the Bwibwiis’ debut with a 66-38 victory.

The Sixers II were in control for most parts of the opening half, with Mark Dela Cruz spearheading their charge with seven points, leading his team to a 28-14 advantage.

Bwibwiis remained in striking distance throughout the half, getting much of their offense from Ben Lisua, who scored six of the team’s first eight points.

Bwibwiis got another lift in the second half as Ryan Laniyo broke loose and worked for eight points, but the Sixers II weren’t rattled as they continued to score at will and cruised to the 28-point victory margin.

Surprisingly, the Sixers II committed just two personal fouls throughout the entire match.

Dela Cruz was the only Sixer to finish in double figures with 11 points, while Nathan Flores and Lawrence Echon added nine points apiece.

Laniyo topscored for Bwibwiis with 12 points while Lisua finished with 10 points.

In the second game, the Sparks fought off a strong start by the younger Capitol Hill Breeze and eased their way to their second win of the season, 67-44.

Breeze got off on the right foot behind their hustle and grabbed the early lead, but it was quickly erased as coach George Cruz inserted his top guns, who leaned on their size and experience advantage to bring the lead to Matansa’s corner.

Zack Diaz took the lead role and poured in 11 points, lifting his team to a 32-21 cushion at the break.

Things continued to roll in favor of the Sparks, who ran on all cylinders en route to outscoring their opponents, 35-23, for the 23-point victory margin.

Diaz led all scorers with 14 points while Emoah Iguel and James Camacho supported with 13 and 12 points for the Sparks.

Syl Tellei and Sean Torres led Breeze with nine and eight points in a losing cause.

League action continues Monday with Toyota Camry taking on San Antonio at 5:30pm.

The Sixers take on Bwibwiis at 5:30pm Tuesday while the Garapan Rollers II battle the Southern Sonics at 7:30pm.

For more information, contact Mario Sablan or Jovie Omar at 664-2500.

First Game

Sixers II 66—Dela Cruz 11, Flores 9, Echon 9, Buena 8, Aquino 6, Chan 6, Santos 4, Rosario 4, Villegas 4, Salas 3, Bautista 2.

Bwibwiis 38—Laniyo 12, B. Lisua 10, Nepaial 6, M. Lisua 6, Somol 4.

Scoring by halves: 28-14, 66-38.

Referees: Arnold Mesa and Noel Delos Santos.

Second Game

Sparks 67—Diaz 14, E. Iguel 13, Camacho 12, Benjamin 4, J. Iguel 4, King 4, Patrinus 4, Ulloa 4, De Gracia 3, Ogarto 2, Salas 2, Deleon Guerrero 2, A. Iguel 1.

Breeze 44—Tellei 9, Torres 8, Borja 4, Ogumoro 4,Villanueva 4, Rangamar 3, J. Kaipat 3, A. Kaipat 3, F. Dillay 3, Farley 2, Z. Joab 1.

Scoring by halves: 32-21, 67-44.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Arnold Mesa.