Strong showing by Nationals, Ol’Aces break into win column

Shortly after members of the team were named, the CNMI National Men’s Basketball Team that will compete in the upcoming 6th Micronesian Games put on a good show, while three-time defending champion Ol’Aces-Budweiser broke into the win column.

The Nationals had their way on the hard court and easily trounced the Cyclones-O’Doul’s, 122-62, in the ongoing 2006 Budweiser Cup BANMI Men’s Island-wide Basketball League Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

After breaking into a double-digit lead in the early goings of the first quarter, the Nationals seem well on their way to an easy victory. That changed, though, as the Cyclones fought back and trailed by just a point, 23-24, after the first 10 minutes of play.

Unfortunately for the Cyclones, the Nationals were just warming up as the CNMI team kicked into turbo mode in the second quarter, dominated like there was no tomorrow, and held their opponents to just nine points while going off for 28 points. With that, coach Rufino Aguon’s crew was up by a mile at the break, 52-32.

The lead continued to increase as the Nationals continued to push hard while showing no sign of mercy. Guards Dan Barcinas and John Sablan came up big in the third quarter for the Nationals, pumping in 10 and nine points to lead the Nationals to a 31-point advantage, 81-50, with one period remaining to be played.

Not satisfied and determined to finish strong, the Nationals continued to work relentlessly on the court. Fred Pelisamen made his presence felt as he worked for 13 points in the final quarter, fueling the Nationals’ 41-point effort.

Pelisamen and Mark Wallace led the Nationals with 23 points apiece, while Jeremy Sablan and Barcinas finished with 17 and 16 points. James Villacrusis, Jeremy Winkfield, and John Sablan also finished in double figures.

Gary Lashley led the Cyclones with 17 points, while Justin Fejeran and Tony Raho contributed 14 and 10 points.

In the second game, the Ol’Aces-Budweiser cagers finally got over the hill as the team defeated Microl-Bud Ice, 133-111.

The Ol’Aces led from beginning to end, with Abong Camacho hitting two early baskets and Taj Van Buren burying two early triples to spark a run that carried them until the end.

Seven Ol’Aces cagers finished in double figures as the team shared the ball well en route to their highest offensive production this season.

Camacho and Elias Rangamar led the Ol’Aces with 26 and 23 points, while Peter Camacho and Romeo Iginoef pumped in 18 and 16 points. Mel Tagabuel also contributed 12 points, while Van Buren and Gyles Ruluked supported with 11 points apiece.

Andres “Jhun” Estolas led Microl with 28 points, while young guns Kevin Cequena and Rowell Aranda worked for 24 and 20 points. Marlon De Dios and Leo Factor also had 12 points apiece.

Earlier, Samahang Ilokano at Pangasinense-Bud Light won its third straight game as No Zone-Bacardi forfeited. The win improved SIP to 3-0, while the loss was the second for No Zone in three games.

First Game

Nationals 122 – Pelisamen 23, Wallace 23, Je. Sablan 17, Barcinas 16, Villacrusis 13, Winkfield 11, Jo. Sablan 10, Fitial 8, Lee 1.

Cyclones 62 – Lashley 17, Fejeran 14, Raho 10, Palacios 8, Villagomez 6, RC 4, Coldeen 3.

Scoring by quarters: 24-23, 52-32, 81-50, 122-62.

Second Game

Ol’Aces 133 – A. Camacho 26, Rangamar 23, P. Camacho 18, Iginoef 16, Tagabuel 12, Ruluked 11, Van Buren 11, Lizama 9, Seman 4, Iguel 3.

Microl 111 – Estolas 28, Cequena 24, Aranda 20, Factor 12, De Dios 12, Delos Reyes 7, Domingo 3, Mendoza 3.