IT&E, Mystique roll past foes

IT&E’s Darwin Barbo takes off for a layup during their game against AK Toyota in the 2019 Atkins Kroll Marianas International Basketball League last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Mystique BBQ and IT&E waltzed past their respective opponents in the 2019 Atkins Kroll Marianas International Basketball League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

IT&E pummeled AK Toyota in last Saturday’s game, 111-67, while Mystique BBQ routed TanHoldings last Thursday’s, 125-99.

The easy win gave IT&E a 7-1 record and second place in the team standings behind the unbeaten Saipan Vegas, which improved to an 8-0 mark and moved one win away from sweeping the regular season following a free win (forfeit) over Aqua Resort in the first match last Saturday.

Sean Rabasto and Darwin Barbo top-scored for IT&E, as each had 20 points with the former knocking in two early triples to anchor the team’s offense en route to their 29-12 advantage after the 10 minutes of play.

IT&E went on to pull away further, as the game progressed with its way deeper roster dominating AK Toyota. Brendon Talania, Bart Demapan, Elmer Esdrelon, and Marlon De Dios joined IT&E’s scoring spree, as all finished in twin digits, while Jaymark De Guzman and Jack Aranda combined for 16 markers despite playing limited minutes.

Alvin Pantola had 18 points to lead AK Toyota, which dropped to a 2-6 record and will close out its elimination round assignment this Saturday when it takes on Bridge Capital, LLC.

Meanwhile, Mystique also coasted to victory after taking full control of its match against TanHoldings in the second quarter.

The second canto started with Mystique ahead by only 6, 27-21, before it widened the gap to 21 at the end of the first half, 64-43, behind the hot hands of Jonathan Broncano and Jetzen Jandoc. Broncano drilled a baker’s dozen in the second frame, while Jandoc added 10.

Mystique never looked back after that with Jandoc still on target in the second half and his other teammates helping out in pounding TanHoldings. Broncano finished off TanHoldings after firing 10 more points in the fourth canto.

Jandoc paced Mystique with his 32 points, while TanHoldings, which showed up for the match with only five players, drew a season-high 47 markers from Kerwin Dayao.

TanHoldings is the only team that has yet to win in the inaugural league and will have its last chance to end the slump tonight when it faces The Game.

Saturday Game
IT&E 111—Barbo 20, Rabasto 20, Talania 13, Demapan 11, Esdrelon 11, De Dios 10, De Guzman 8, Aranda 8, Peredo 6, Rafols 4.
AK Toyota 67—Pantola 18, Fitial 17, Lauron 10, Sekool 9, Boswell 7, Catalla 4, Castillo 2.
Scoring by quarters: 29-12, 61-26, 77-43, 111-67.

Thursday Game
Mystique BBQ 125—Jandoc 32, Broncano 23, Torres 19, Gaviola 18, Isip 10, Moises 8, Bernardo 6, Dancel 5, Castillo 4.
TanHoldings 99—Dayao 47, Tenepere 18, Torregosa 14, Echavez 10, Lumen 10.
Scoring by quarters: 27-21, 64-43, 94-77, 125-99.