Contrasting victories for Saints, Ol’Aces

Three Saints defenders swarm Ol’Aces Extra’s Nak Nakashima during the first quarter of their game in the MIBF island-wide caging last Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gynmnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Saints and Ol’Aces prevailed in the pair of matches in the men’s division of the 2018 MIBF Island-wide Basketball League last Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the curtain-raiser, the Saints pulled off a 60-55 win over the Ol’Aces Extra, while in the second game, the Ol’Aces walloped the 670 Sonics, 101-71.

The Ol’Aces won the battle of undefeated teams after pulling away in the second quarter, which started with the 670 Sonics facing only a 9-point deficit, 11-20. Marvin Rabauliman led the Ol’Aces’ second-period surge, dropping 13 of his 15 points to hand their team a commanding 56-25 advantage, as the former CNMI National Team member nearly matched the entire output of their opponent in that canto.

Coby Santos also scored in twin digits in the second frame, making 11 to lift the Ol’Aces to a 31-point halftime edge.

The 670 Sonics never recovered from thereon, as only Matt Dueńas hit baskets in streak for the losing squad. Dueńas led all scorers with his 32 markers, while only two of his teammates posted double figures and their baskets came when the Ol’Aces were in full control of the match.

The Ol’Aces had six players recording twin digits in scoring with Jeff Deleon Guerrero pacing the team with his 20 points. Three other Ol’Aces players combined for 19 more markers for the squad’s balance offense.

Meanwhile, in the first game, the Saints played better in the second half to steal the win from the Ol’Aces Extra.

The Saints leaned on young guns Dixon Kwon and Shane Deleon Guerrero to fight back in the final half of the match. Kwon had a game-high 20 points, while Deleon Guerrero chipped in 11.

The Saints’ 1-2 punch scored the team’s last 5 points in the third period, turning a 24-32 halftime deficit to a 46-44 lead, going into the fourth quarter. The Saints then hung on to the driver’s seat in the fourth to post their second win this season.

First Game
Saints 60 — Kwon 20, S. Deleon Guerrero 11, Reyes 8, Brennan 6, Palacios 4, J. Deleon Guerrero 4, Ada 4, Diaz 3.
Ol’Aces Extra 55 — Je. Santos 13, L. Rangamar 12, Jo. Santos 5, Rogolifoi 4, Berline 4, Moses 4, Ogumoro 4, E. Rangamar 4.
Scoring by quarters: 12-23, 24-32, 46-44, 60-55.

Second Game
Ol’Aces 101 — Deleon Guerrero 20, Santos 16, Aiferson 15, Rabauliman 15, Basa 11, Schmidt 7, Siech 6, Blake 6, Sablan 4.
670 Sonics 71 — M. Duenas 32, Rafols 11, Ngeskebei 10, Fidelino 5, E. Duenas 5, Rabasto 4, Ordona 2.
Scoring by quarters: 20-11, 56-25, 85-50, 101-71.