G-I wins battle of undefeateds

Players of Garapan Rollers I were sharp and kept their focus and came through for their fans in most anticipated game of the 2005 Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League season.

With their perfect records on the line, the G-I and Southern Sonics cagers engaged in a powerhouse showdown, but in the end, it was Pedro Iguel and his G-I crew that came up with clutch shots in the dying minutes to beat the Sonics, 94-76, at the packed Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium Thursday night.

The game lived up to its hype in the opening half as both teams came out gunning for the early advantage.

Iguel stepped up for his team and led their balanced attack with nine points and guard Vince Teregeyo knocked in a triple and two field goals, while Southern’s Rowell Aranda and Lester Babauta fueled their team’s push with seven and six points. At the end of the first half, though, it was a basket and a free throw from Jose Castro that gave G-I a slim 36-34 lead heading into the break.

After receiving a little pep talk from their coaching staff, the G-I crew returned to the hardcourt and quickly swung favor to their corner. Answering the call from his team, Iguel kicked his game up a notch and presided on a 32-17 run in the first 10 minutes of the second half. Pistol Pete worked his magic for 15 points, Kevin Aldan buried a couple of bombs from long range, Teregeyo knocked in another triple, and Ivan Devero pulled up for two jumpers to give G-I a comfortable 68-51 lead with 9:12 left.

The Sonics, however, still had their eyes set on leaving with their undefeated record intact and began to retaliate. Aranda drilled in three free throws and a bucket, Jack Lizama penetrated for a layup, and Babauta came up big with a put back and a lay up and with a snap of a finger, the Sonics had cut the deficit to just six points, 62-68, with 6:45 remaining.

The Sonics continued to move in and a couple of free throws by Babauta followed by a coast-to-coast layup by Aranda brought Southern to within three points, 66-69. The Sonics got the ball back again and had a chance to cut the lead to a point or even tie the game, but Jerry Cruz slapped the ball loose and took off for a fast break layup to give G-I more room to work with. Iguel then followed with a layup and G-I led 73-66 with 5:11 left on the clock.

Julian Ranas, who recently returned after completing his training as a U.S. Marine, came up big for the Sonics as he threw a pump fake, drew a foul, and nailed his shot to bring Southern closer, 68-73.

That’s when Iguel took over as he hit a field goal and a free throw. Lizama managed to put the rock through the hoop for Southern, 70-76, but a triple by Cruz sparked a 10-0 run to put G-I in perfect position to seal the deal, 86-70.

It was cruise control from then on as Iguel just couldn’t be denied. The veteran drove from the wing, picked up his dribble and rolled the ball behind his back to avoid the defender before going up for a wide open layup.

Iguel finished with a game-high 37 points, while Devero pumped in 12 points for the G-Rollers. Teregeyo and Cruz also added 11 points apiece for the now 9-0 squad.

Aranda and Babauta led the Sonics with 16 points each, while Ranas and Lizama contributed 13 and 11 points, respectively.

Later in the evening, Jeff Deleon Guerrero, Kovin Ogumoro, Jayvon Tarkong, Aitau Barcinas, and Jeff Pagarao scored in double figures to lead Toyota Camry to a 90-75 victory over the Bwibwiis.

First Game

G-Rollers I 94—Iguel 37, Devero 12, Teregeyo 11, Cruz 11, Aldan 8, Tumaquip 6, Castro 4, Omar 2, Ada 2, Hockins 1.

Sonics 76—Aranda 16, Babauta 16, Ranas 13, Lizama 11, A. Echon 8, Flores 4, Apelo 2, Kintz 2, Ferrer 2, Eclevia 1, Palacios 1.

Scoring by halves: 36-34, 94-76.

Referees: Noel Delos Santos and Arnold Mesa.

Second Game

Camry 90—Deleon Guerrero 17, Ogumoro 14, Tarkong 13, Barcinas 11, Pagarao 11, Babauta 6, Aldan 6, L. Rangamar 4, S. Rangamar 3, Piteg 3, Tagabuel 2.

Bwibwiis 75—B. Lisua 27, R. Laniyo 12, Somol 9, Nepaial 8, Moteisou 6, Litulimar 4, Saures 3, Pua 2, M. Lisua 2, Peter 2.

Scoring by halves: 45-30, 90-75.

Referees: Noel Delos Santos and Gilbert Espinosa.