PSS wins battle of unbeatens, OPA wins

Public School System didn’t miss a beat after a weeklong Thanksgiving break and walloped Department of Labor in a battle of unbeaten teams in the 2004 Government Basketball League Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Seeing action in the first game, PSS started like a house on fire, cooled down somewhat in the second before tearing DOL apart in the second half in their 82-65 triumph.

Taj Van Buren got things going for PSS, exploding for 13 points as he personally outscored DOL in the first quarter, which his team took 25-11.

It was former national player Steve Rasa’s turn to shoot the lights out of the gym in the second, powering his way for 13 points to help DOL knot the game at 37-all at halftime.

PSS then turned what many expected would be a tight game into a ghastly rout at the start of the third period. Van Buren teamed up with do-it-all forward Gabriel White and defensive specialist Peter Mendiola, as the trio blew the game wide open and PSS entered the fourth and final quarter on top 62-44.

There was not much DOL could do after that offensive showing by PSS. Rasa tried to make a run at it, pumping in nine points but it hardly affected the outcome of the contest, as PSS joined Department of Community and Cultural Affairs atop the team standings with immaculate 4-0 marks. DOL slid to second at 3-1 in a tie with Department of Public Safety I.

Van Buren led PSS with 28 points, while White, Mendiola and forward Gary Lashley added 11 or more points. Rasa banged in 28 markers for DOL. Mitch Aaron was the only other double-figure scorer for the team with 14 markers.

In the second game, Office of Public Auditor finally nailed their first win and got out of the cellar by beating another winless team, Saipan Mayor’s Office, 54-49.

Chris Camacho shone all game long and top scored for OPA with 20 markers. Unorthodox Jerome Demapan continued to surprise defenders and led the Mayor’s Office with 18 points.

The government league resumes tonight with Commonwealth Health Center taking on Procurement & Supply in the 6:30pm opener. The 8pm second game then features DPS II taking on defending champion Northern Marianas College.

First Game

PSS 82 – Van Buren 28, White 17, P. Mendiola 12, Lashley 11, F. Mendiola 5, Villagomez 4, MacDonald 3.

DOL 65 – Rasa 28, Aaron 14, Wesley 9, Sablan 5, Ayuyu 4, Paraiso 3, Tagabuel 2.

Scoring by quarters: 25-11, 37-37, 62-44, 82-65.

Referees: Jess Pacheco and Nick Castro.

Second Game

OPA 54 – Camacho 20, Peter 9, Tenorio 8, R. Torres 6, F. Torres 4, Dela Cruz 3, Atalig 2.

Mayor’s Office 49 – Demapan 18, Luzama 11, Taisacan 9, Palacios 5, Mizutani 4, Benavente 2.

Scoring by quarters: 12-11, 33-17, 42-35, 54-49.

Referees: Mike White and Jess Pabula.