Rollers I snaps skid with win over Saints

The Rollers I regained its winning form after whipping the Chalan Kanoa Saints, 60-44, in the 2008 Saipan Rotary Club Youth Basketball League Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

The Rollers I had a 2-0 start in the Rotary caging and at one time was at the top of the team standings. But the Joe Diaz-mentored squad dropped its next two games before bouncing back against the Saints.

The victory tied the Rollers I with the G-Stars at fourth place.

Manny Matagolai led the Rollers I’s third victory, nailing 18 points.

He made the first basket of the game and added six more points, as the Rollers I took control of the first half, posting a 28-15 lead.

Luizi Reyes scored seven of the Saints’ 15 first half points but failed to get contributions from his teammates.

In contrast, the Rollers I besides Matagolai had four other players making it to the scoreboard.

Matagolai picked up where he left of the in the second half, drilling the Rollers I’s first eight points in that period.

The Rollers I’s supporting cast continued backing up Matagolai en route to giving their team an easy win.

Jomar Danas, J.R. Concepcion, Don Teregeyo, and Rainier Deleon Guerrero combined for 27 points for the Rollers I.

Luizi Reyes and Joshua Lizama paced the Saints with 13 points apiece, while former Rollers I player Zack Tudela chipped in 12. The rest of the Saints bench tallied only six markers.

The Saints absorbed their sixth loss in seven games and are hoping to end the regular season on a winning note when they face the Kontenders tomorrow.

Despite a 1-6 record, the Saints are already assured of a slot in the playoffs.

Only the Top 8 teams will make it to the next round and joining the Saints in the playoffs are the Southern Sonics, San Antonio Sixers, CNMI Junior Nationals, G-Stars, Rollers I, Kontenders, and the Suns.

The Rollers II were eliminated last week after a dismal 0-8 record in this year’s 18-and-under caging.

Meanwhile, the G-Stars game against the Suns yesterday was called off due to the absence of G-Stars coach Jose Tumaquip.

Tumaquip is in Guam coaching the CNMI Women’s Junior Nationals in the 7th FIBA Oceania Youth Tournament.

The G-Stars two remaining games along with the CNMI Junior Nationals’ last two matches will be put on hold until next week.

The CNMI Junior Nationals of coach Rufino Aguon is also in Guam competing in the FIBA Oceania caging.

Rollers I 60 – Matagolai 18, Danas 8, Concepcion 8, Teregeyo 6, Deleon Guerrero 5, Namelo 4, A. Camacho 3, E. Camacho 2, Babauta 2, Paez 2.

Saints 44 – Reyes 13, Lizama 13, Tudela 12, Masga 4, Basa 2.

Scoring by halves: 28-15, 60-44.