Tinian, DPS finish regular season strong

Ballers from Tinian and the Department of Public Safety Enforcers showed that they’re ready for the post season as both teams put up strong performances Friday in the 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the opener, Tinian picked up its 11th win in 13 games with a lopsided 120-90 victory over Department of Community and Cultural Affairs.

Six Tinian players finished in doubles figures in the victory, with Peter Manglona leading the way with 27 points. Ton Borja and John Santos also added 21 and 18 points, while Jesse Manibusan and J.R. Reyes pumped in 17 and 14 points. Leo Pascua also chipped in 10 points.

Tinian had no problem putting the ball through the hoop and opened with a 30-23 lead after the first 10 minutes of action.

The team increased its lead to double digits, 59-49, at the break, and put up another respectable push in the third to pad their lead, but it was their fourth quarter explosion that put the game out of reach.

Up 81-66 heading into the final period, Tinian went Anatahan and burned the net for 39 points, with Manglona scoring 14 markers in the process.

Joey Dela Cruz led DCCA with 34 points, while Romeo Iginoef and Tony Rogolifoi each had 16 points. Wayne Pua also contributed 11 points for the team, which played without veteran Elias Rangamar and closed the regular season with a 9-4 record.

In the second game, the Enforcers recovered from a slow start and dominated the final three quarters to beat Public School System, 95-80.

With Taj Van Buren hitting three baskets plus a free throw, PSS was able to grab the early advantage, 19-13, but the lead swung to DPS’ corner in the second period as veteran Peter Camacho went off for 12 points to help his team outscore their opponents, 26-18, for a 39-37 halftime lead.

The lead grew to 10 points, 64-54 after a 25-17 run in the third stanza, and DPS broke over the 30-point mark in the fourth to hold on to their double-digit advantage.

Camacho finished with 31 points, while Joe Ito and Ben Pelisamen supported him with 15 points apiece to lead DPS.

Van Buren led PSS with 27 points, while Gary Lashley and Peter Mendiola added 13 and 12 points. Lawrence Buniag also had 10 points.

FIRST GAME

Tinian 120 – Manglona 27, A. Borja 21, Santos 18, Manibusan 17, Reyes 14, Pascua 10, R. Borja 7, Barcinas 4, Cabay 2.

DCCA 90 – Dela Cruz 34, Rogolifoi 16, Iginoef 16, Pua 11, Sablan 8, Pangelinan 3, Benavente 2.

Scoring by quarters: 30-23, 59-49, 81-66, 120-90.

Referees: Jess Pabula and Noel Delos Santos.

SECOND GAME

DPS 95 – Camacho 31, Ito 15, Pelisamen 15, Celes 9, Saralu 7, Sablan 6, Taitano 6, Kaipat 4, Manglona 2.

PSS 80 – Van Buren 27, Lashley 13, Mendiola 12, Buniag 10, Diaz 8, Villagomez 6, Mendez 4.

Scoring by quarters: 13-19, 39-37, 64-54, 95-80.

Referees: Jess Pacheco and Jess Pabula.