Ol’Aces show offensive might

Ol’Aces showed its offensive firepower Friday night dealing MIGS a 139-103 thrashing in the open division in the Inaugural FMI Inter-Color Basketball League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Ol’Aces only used seven players the entire game but all of them scored with the youthful Jericho Cruz scattering a season-high 43 points, while former CNMI Men’s National Team member Fred Pelisamen adding 38 more.

Cruz and Pelisamen toyed with the MIGS defense scoring almost at will from everywhere inside the court.

Ol’Aces’ scoring pair even outscored the entire MIGS five at halftime as they combined for 42 points at the half against the 39 of their opponents.

Cruz and Pelisamen waxed hot early in the game as Ol’Aces opened up with a 36-19 lead after the first quarter then coasted to their fourth straight win.

The 68 made by Ol’Aces was probably the most points scored in a half in CNMI basketball history and the 139 they scored was the most by any team this season.

Ol’Aces scored a total of 483 points in its first four games or an average of 120.8 points per game while holding down their opponents to 87.3 per outing mowing down their opponents by an average winning margin of 33.5.

Ol’Aces held the Starwater Kings to a season-low 54 points, while the 103 by MIGS was the most scored by any team against the Sonny Flores-mentored squad.

Speedy Luis Iguel, Elias Rangamar, and Taj Van Buren had 14 apiece. while Marvin Rabauliman, who is Cruz’s teammate in the CNMI Junior National team, finished with 12. Abong Camacho had four points to round up Ol’Aces’ scoring.

Raymond Cadagat remains the most consistent scorer for MIGS ending up with 37 points but could not help his team end its losing skid and slumped to its fourth straight loss.

John Jugos and Gilbert Cabaddu added 18 and 17 each, while Ronald Delos Reyes, after erupting for 40 points in MIGS’ 125-106 loss against Shirley’s on April 23, was held to 11 markers.

In the second game, the Price Costco Storemasters won by default against the Water Kings.

Ol’Aces 139 – Cruz 43, Pelisamen 38, Iguel 14, Rangamar 14, Van Buren 14, Rabauliman 12, Camacho 4.

MIGS 103 – Cadagat 37, Jugos 18, Cabaddu 17, Delos Reyes 11, Banatasa 8, Lumauag 6, Doronilla 4, Delarma 2.

Scoring by quarters: 36-19, 68-39, 101-77, 139-103.

Referees: Eric Artillaga and Dado Vistal.