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Upset win for Roll Aces
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Posted on Jan 30 2019
The Roll Aces delivered when it mattered the most, stunning Tinian Typhoon, 18-11, in the finals of the boys U15 division of the Marianas International Basketball League 3×3 Tournament held over the weekend at the Civic Center court and Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.
Going into the finale, the Roll Aces was 0-2 against Tinian, which topped the former in their first encounter in Pool A, 14-9. Tinian had a repeat in their second showdown in the preliminary round after eking out a 19-18 triumph. The Roll Aces, which had Greg Deleon Guerrero, Anthony Lajara, Derrick Atalig, and Steve King on its roster, finished the double-round robin elimination with an even 2-2 record after winning a pair of matches against the Young Gunz’s John Rizo, Jayvan Lizama, and Raven Francisco, 13-8 and 22-15.
Tinian’s JC Guintu, Ricky Cruz, Sir-Lashu Dela Cruz, and Jared King also swept the Young Gunz, 14-10 and 15-9, to enter the semifinals undefeated and set up a duel with Balas Ballers for a finals berth in the division.
Balas Ballers’ Sebastian Saures, Lushawnn Reyes, Tyrik Basa, and Jacody Lizama made it to the semis as they finished No. 2 in Pool B with their 2-2 record. Balas defeated Marianas 670 twice, 12-6 and 16-3, and lost to the top-ranked MCS Knights, 7-10 and 3-11. Tinian went on hand Balas its third defeat in the event after a 16-10 triumph in the first semis game.
In the second Final Four match, the MCS Knights’ Jeremiah Diaz, Merrick Toves, Richard Steele, and Vince Salvador missed a stint in the division title game after they were spoiled by the Roll Aces, 17-15.
The close victory over MCS allowed the Roll Aces to meet Tinian anew and third time turned out to be the charm for the latter. With its 7-point win over Tinian in the finals, the Roll Aces had the most points in the weekend tournament, recording 97 markers for an average of 16.2 points per match. Tinian collected 89 points and averaged 14.8.
