Docomo, Nationals outgun foes

Docomo and the CNMI Nationals found more firepower in their arsenals en route to downing separate foes in the 2008-2009 BANMI/Budweiser Basketball League Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Docomo had five players tallying double figures in scoring, allowing the Hoopaholics to beat Quichocho Law Office, 82-78.

It was Docomo’s second straight win after losing four straight games. The Hoopaholics now have a 4-6 record to move up from fifth to fourth place, while Quichocho dropped to sixth in the seven-team field with its 3-7 slate.

Jo Villacrusis top-scored for Docomo with 20 points, while Kelvin Fitial chipped in 16. James Villacrusis had 14 and Mel Manibusan and David Palacios contributed 13 and 11 markers, respectively.

Docomo trailed after the first quarter, 23-24, before James Villacrusis fired nine of his total points in the second period to grab the lead at halftime, 45-38.

Joe Villacrusis picked up where brother James left off in the third, as he nailed nine points in that period, which ended with Docomo still in front, 64-62.

The fourth quarter was a neck-and-neck battle until two free throws each from Joe and Fitial secured the win for Docomo.

Bonbon Cadagat almost single-handedly carried Quichocho on his shoulders, drilling a game-high 37 points. Bart Demapan was the only other Quichocho player to score in double figures with 11 points, but he had only two markers in the closely fought fourth quarter.

In the second game, the CNMI Nationals drew 36 big points from “Pistol” Pete Iguel to trip the Runnin’ Rebels, 106-95.

Iguel nailed 12 of his total points in the third quarter, which saw the Nationals increasing their lead to 13, 85-72, after outgunning the Runnin’ Rebels, 35-27.

The Runnin’ Rebels were still in the game at halftime, behind by only five, 45-50, when Iguel led the Nationals’ breakaway in the third period.

Jose Tumaquip, Syl Teregeyo, and Jesus Iguel tried to bring the Runnin’ Rebels back in the fourth quarter, but Pete Iguel, Marvin Rabauliman, and Joemary Tumaquip were there to save the day for the Nationals. Rabauliman and Tumaquip combined for 30 points.

Docomo 82 – Jo. Villacrusis 20, Fitial 16, Ja. Villacrusis 14, Manibusan 13, Palacios 11, Diaz 8.

Quichocho Law Office 78 – Cadagat 37, Demapan 11, Itaas 9, Capalad 8, Moises 5, Umali 4, Tagle 2, Hugos 2.

Scoring by quarters: 23-24, 45-38, 64-62, 82-78.

CNMI Nationals 106 – Iguel 36, Rabauliman 17, Cruz 15, Tumaquip 13, Moses 8, Chariton 8, White 5, Johnson 4.

Runnin’ Rebels 95 – Tumaquip 28, Iguel 19, Teregeyo 16, Norita 11, L. Rangamar 7, Lisua 6, Kenty 4, Coldeen 4.

Scoring by quarters: 22-20, 50-45, 85-72, 106-95.