Rollers vs Ol’Aces in U16 finals

The Rollers and Ol’Aces will face off in the finals of the U16 division of the Pacific Amusement/NMI Rollers Youth Basketball Tournament after cruising through their respective semifinal matches last Saturday at the Koblerville Gymnasium.

The Rollers outclassed the Sonics, 45-23, while the Ol’Aces also won by a blowout against Tinian, 48-32.

Ervin Villarin powered the Rollers past the Sonics in the semis after scoring 15 points, while Jayart Palmes and Anthony Lajara provided help, adding 9 and 8 markers, respectively.

Clinging to a 19-18 lead at the halftime break, the Rollers managed to pull away in the second half, thanks to Laraja’s three triples. Villarin and Steve King also contributed in the second-half assault after recording 7 points apiece.

The Sonics made only two baskets in the second half, allowing the Rollers to cruise to victory. Earlier in the first half, the Sonics managed to remain afloat with Raven Francisco, Aldraine Galang, and Nathan Guanzing teaming up for 12 points.

Meanwhile, in the other semis game, the Ol’Aces triumphed against Tinian with Greg Deleon Gurerrero delivering the goods for the winning team after registering 16 points. Craig Babauta chipped in 9 points.

Leo Epity had 15 points for Tinian, which got 6 markers from Ricky Cruz and 5 from Isaiah Aldan in the visiting team’s failed bid to advance to the finals in the U16 age group.

The Rollers and Ol’Aces will dispute the division championship this Saturday.

In the U14 division, it will also be the Ol’Aces versus Rollers.

The Ol’Aces automatically entered the title game after finishing first in the preliminary round, while Rollers defeated Tinian in the battle for the second finals ticket, 54-36.

Merrick Toves anchored the Rollers to the semis win after scoring 20 points, while Freddy Pelisamen contributed 14 points.

George Lizama delivered 13 points for Tinian, while Wade Santos logged 6.

First Game
U16 Division
Rollers 45—Villarin 15, Palmes 9, Lajara 8, King 7, Atalig 6, Tudela 2, Cruz 2.
Sonics 23—Rizo 7, Francisco 4, Galang 3, Guanzing 3, Kim 2, Bernardo 2, Sapipi 2.
Scoring by halves: 19-18, 45-23

Second Game
Ol’Aces 48—Deleon Guerrero 16, Craig 9, Thrino 5, Jestin 4, Darryl 3, John 3, Airson 2.
Tinian 32—Epity 15, Cruz 6, Aldan 5, Paulio 5.
Scoring by halves: 18-12, 48-32

U14 Division
Rollers 54—Toves 20, Pelisamen 14, Macaranas 8, Naraja 4, Piaz 3, Eugenio 2, Gotto 2, Samson 1.
Tinian 36 —Lizama 13, Santos 6, King 4, C. DelaCruz 2, Nabors 2, Cruz 2, P. Dela Cruz 1.