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Manta Rays on a roll
Saipan Southern High School’s Gregory Deleon Guerrero, center, takes off for a shot against Kagman High School Varsity’s Anthony Agulto, left, and Miguel Fitipol during the second half of their game in the 2019-2020 Public School System Interscholastic Boys High School Basketball League yesterday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)
Saipan Southern High School extended its winning streak to four following a 34-19 victory over Kagman High School Varsity in the 2019-2020 Public School System Interscholastic Boys High School Basketball League yesterday at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.
Gregory Deleon Guerrero and Ervin Villarin combined for more than half of the Manta Rays’ total output to keep the team’s perfect record in the elimination round. Deleon Guerrero scored 10 points, while Villarin chipped in 9. Devon Pangelinan and John Paul Cruz also contributed to SSHS’ cause, adding 6 and 5 markers, respectively.
Deleon Guerrero delivered bulk of his points in the first half, as he posted 8 to give the Manta Rays a precarious lead at the break, 15-14. KHS Varsity managed to keep up with Saipan Southern behind Miguel Fitipol and Anthony Agulto, who logged 4 points apiece in the first 12 minutes of play.
After failing to gain enough cushion in the opening half, the Manta Rays were able to widen the gap early in the second—thanks to Cruz’s 5 straight points. Pangelinan and Villarin then took over in the remaining minutes of the second half to hand Saipan Southern the double-digit winning margin.
Meanwhile, five other games were scheduled yesterday at the continuation of the elimination round of the 12-team competition.
Saipan International School and Da’ok Academy were set to duel in the curtain-raiser on the north court, while an all-MHS duel (MHS 3 vs MHS JV) was played on the south side. In the second game on the north court, KHS JV met MHS Varsity, while Mt. Carmel Varsity challenged KHS 3 on the south court.
For the last match on the north court, Mt. Carmel 2 collided with Agape Christian School and results of the game along with the four earlier tiffs will be reported once official score sheets are released.
Only the Top 10 teams after the elimination round will advance to the playoffs, which is set for March 13 and 14 and will also feature Tinian and Rota squads
SSHS 34—Deleon Guerrero 10, Villarin 9, Pangelinan 6, Cruz 5, Matalog 2, Manglona 2.
KHS Varsity 19—Fitipol 6, A. Agulto 5, Indalecio 3, Sablan 3, Cruz 2.
Scoring by halves: 15-5, 34-19.
