Back-to-back for Ol’Aces 1

ROSELYN B. MONROYO
The Ol’Aces 1’s Daryl Soriano takes off for a shot during the first half of their boys U18 division game against Rollers 2 in the 2019 TanHoldings Christmas Basketball Tournament last Monday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Ol’Aces 1 proved to be too much for its first two opponents in the boys U18 division of the 2019 TanHoldings Christmas Basketball Tournament being played at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.

In its opening match in the holiday caging last Sunday, the Ol’Aces 1 zoomed past Ol’Aces 2, 56-31. The Greg Iginoef-coach Ol’Aces 1 then picked up where it left off, hammering the Rollers 2 last Monday, 88-43.

Against the Rollers 2, the Ol’Aces 1’s patented backcourt pressure defense was in full display early on in the game, allowing the former to open a 16-4 advantage. The Ol’Aces ended up way ahead after the first period, 41-8, as the Rollers 2 could not find an antidote to the Ol’Aces 1’s pesky defense that resulted to easy baskets for the winning team.

Five Ol’Aces 1 players finished in twin digits in their lopsided victory over the Rollers 2 with Albert Atan leading the way with his 15 points. Isaac Perez and John Ichihara added 14 apiece, Kiku Hapdei chipped in 12, and Jesstin Laniyo tallied 10. Six other Ol’Aces 1 players combined for 24 markers for the squad’s balanced offense.

Koboy Mizutani paced the Rollers 1 with his 15 markers.

Meanwhile, versus the Ol’Aces 2, the Ol’Aces 1 also spread the wealth en route to its 25-point winning margin.

Laniyo registered 10 points, while four of his teammates contributed at least 6 points apiece.

670 Sonics 32, Ol’Aces 2 29
The Sonics handed the Ol’Aces 2 another loss after pulling off a close win last Monday.

It was a come-from-behind triumph for the Sonics, as they faced a 17-24 deficit at halftime. The Sonics stole the victory after holding the Ol’Aces 2 to 5 points in the second half.

Jedial Manalo led the Sonics’ rally in the final 20 minutes of play, as he scored 8 points in that frame after being limited to 2 markers in the first half. Khristian Itaas, who was scoreless in the opening half, delivered 4 points, including the Sonics’ last basket.

Rollers 1 68, Ol’Aces 3 27
In last Saturday’s opening match in the U18 division, Rollers 1 eased past the Ol’Aces 3.

The Rollers 1 set the tone in the match early after building a 42-11 lead. Ervin Villarin, Mikel Johnson, and Gregory Deleon Guerrero teamed up in anchoring the Rollers 1’s strong start, as they combined for 25 points in the first half. Villarin had 9 markers, while Johnson and Deleon Guerrero added 8 each.

Fiesta Resort 53, Rollers 3 34
In the other boys U18 division match last Saturday, Fiesta also posted an easy victory over Rollers 3.

Drew Bayot and Tony Kim joined forces in lifting Fiesta Resort to its debut win, as the former scored 13 points and the latter recorded 11.

Monday’s Game
Ol’Aces 1 88—Atan 15, Ichihara 14, Perez 14, Hapdei 12, Laniyo 10, Laxa 6, Tisa 4, Mencjor 4, Omelau 4, Soriano 4
Rollers 2 43—Mizutani 15, Cruz 12, Palmes 8, Claridades 4, Pelisamen 3.
Scoring by halves: 41-8, 88-43.

Sunday’s Game
Ol’Aces 56—Laniyo 10, Menchor 8, Omelau 8, Atan 7, Hapdei 6, Norita 4, Roligat 4, Laxa 3, Ichihara 2, Abejo 2.
Ol’Aces 2 31—Sacdalan 6, Kapwich 6, Quitugua 4, Sablan 4, They 2, Ada 2, Olopai 2, Yalung 2.
Scoring by halves: 30-20, 56-31.