Proa thwarts Ol’Aces in GBL IT&E Cup

 Proa sat on an early lead and survived the Ol’Aces’ second half-rally to secure an 86-77 victory in the only game completed in the Garapan Basketball League IT&E Cup last Saturday at the Garapan Basketball Court.

The triumph was only Proa’s first in two games, while the Ol’Aces are winless in two matches. The second game between FGC and Runnin’ Rebels was rained-out at halftime and was scheduled to resume yesterday.

Proa built an early 26-16 advantage after the first period with Keoni Chariton and Peter Mendiola combining for 13 points. Coach Rufino Aguon’s wards then went on to lead by as much as 22 in opening minutes of the third period before the Ol’Aces launched a rally midway in that canto.

Tony Diaz scored 11 points in that third-quarter rally to slice the 33-52 halftime deficit to only seven, 58-65, with a full quarter to go. The Ol’Aces then caught up with Proa in the fourth canto and even wrestled the lead, 71-69, after Freddie Pelisamen’s breakaway layup, with over six minutes left in the game.

It was a close match from thereon and the Ol’Aces were still in the game in the last two minutes, behind by only a deuce, 77-75, but committed three costly turnovers to hand Proa the win.

The Ol’Aces had a chance to knot the count when they had the ball at the 77-75 tally, but Pelisamen’s inbound pass to Tony Diaz on the top key went wide and Marvin Rabauliman picked up the loose ball.

Rabauliman then went up for a fastbreak layup and drew an unsportsmanlike foul on Tony Diaz. Rabauliman split his charities and the Ol’Aces were called for another error, while Rabauliman trooped to the foul line again and made both free throws for Proa’s 80-75 lead, with less than a minute left on the clock.

The Ol’Aces were called for their third miscue in the homestretch when Iguel stole an inbound pass for Taj Van Buren. Iguel when for a layup and missed, but Rabauliman was there for a putback that sealed the win for Proa.

Rabauliman top-scored for Proa with 25 points, making 11 of them in the fourth canto to foil the Ol’Aces’ rally. Tony Diaz led the Ol’Aces with his 35 markers.

Proa 86 – Rabauliman 21, Mendiola 12, Norita 10, Chariton 6, Iguel 6, Libuw 6, Johnson 6, Sablan 5, Villacrusis 5, Babauta 4, Barcinas 4.

Ol’Aces 77 – T. Diaz 35, Pelisamen 15, Kenty 9, Van Buren 5, E. Diaz 4, Z. Diaz 5, Olaitiman 4.

Scoring by quarters: 26-16, 52-33, 65-58, 86-77.