DCCA edges Enforcers in down-the-wire thriller

The Department of Community and Cultural Affairs jumped out to an early lead and held off a determined rally by the Department of Public Safety Enforcers to move back into first place in the ongoing 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

DCCA started like a house on fire as veteran guard Elias Rangamar went berserk and tormented the opposition for 16 points, including two triples from downtown, to lead his crew to a 25-10 advantage after the first 10 minutes of play.

DPS finally broke out of its slump as the team picked up their game in the second period and was able to match DCCA’s effort.

Peter Camacho knocked in 10 points and prevented the Enforcers from falling farther as the team headed into the break down by 14 points, 30-44. Rangamar continued to have the hot hand as he buried two more triples while adding another field goal for DCCA.

The DPS cagers continued to pull closer as the second half got underway but still had a long road ahead of them. Camacho worked his way for another 14 points to spearhead the charge, pushing DPS to within eight points, 54-62.

With just 10 minutes left in regulation, DPS was in desperation mode and unleashed a furious comeback courtesy of their outside shooting. The team combined for four jumpers from long range and was able to stay alive eventually pulling even, 87-87, to force overtime.

Its new leave on life, however, did not last long, as DPS struggled in the extra period and converted just four free throws, while Rangamar and Marty Taisacan combined for three field goals to lift DCCA.

Rangamar finished with a game-high 38 points, while Romeo Iginoef and John Reyes supported him with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Joey Dela Cruz also handled the rock well for DCCA and punched in 14 points.

Camacho led DPS with 34 points, while Ben Pelisamen and Jake Celes added 18 and 13 points. Elias Saralu also had 11 points.

In the second game, Tinian cruised to another victory and defeated Northern Marianas College Proa, 89-76.

Antonio Borja was on fire for Tinian and led all scorers with 26 points, while J.R. Reyes and John Santos contributed 17 and 16 points. Jess Manibusan and Leo Pascua also finished in double figures with 11 and 10 points.

Tony Diaz led NMC with 20 points, while Kevin Castro and Kelvin Aldan contributed 17 and 11 points.

First Game

DCCA 93 – Rangamar 38, Iginoef 16, Reyes 15, Dela Cruz 14, Taisacan 4.

DPS 91 – Camacho 34, Pelisamen 18, Celes 13, Saralu 11, Sablan 8, Ito 5, Manglona 2.

Scoring by quarters: 25-10, 44-30, 62-54, 87-87, 93-91 (OT).

Referees: Dado Vistal and Noel Delos Santos.

Second Game

Tinian 89 – A. Borja 26, Reyes 17, Santos 16, Manibusan 11, L. Pascua 10, Epity 3, Manglona 2, C. Pascua 2, A. Lizama 2.

NMC 76 – Diaz 20, Castro 17, Aldan 11, Manglona 6, Garcia 6, Aguon 6, MacDuff 2, Ierome 2, John 2.

Scoring by quarters: 27-16, 47-32, 70-55, 89-76.

Referees: Mike White and Jess Pabula.