Surprises mark govt league

Procurement & Supply and Northern Marianas College finally broke out of their shell and bested separate opponents in the continuation of the 2004 Government Basketball League Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the first game, P&S outplayed a tall but lumbering Commonwealth Health Center squad, 72-68, to notch its first win of the season.

P&S bucked a slow start and then engaged CHC in a closely contested game before putting all the stops in the closing minutes to eke out the win.

Bruiser John Palacios and playmaker Frank Iglecias were front in center of the action in the payoff period. Palacios powered his way for 10 markers in the canto, while Iglecias made key baskets aside from brandishing his usual dreaded defensive pressure on CHC’s thin backcourt.

Ageless wonder Oscar Masga led P&S with 16 markers, while Palacios and Iglecias added 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Tom Diaz paced CHC’s losing cause with 16 points, which included four hits from rainbow country. Ray Guerrero chipped in 15 and 6’4” Tony Raho banged in 12.

In the second game, NMC got all its horses back and proceeded to apply a 102-80 beat down on Department of Public Safety II, which incidentally avoided forfeiture after settling their account with the Basketball Association of the Northern Mariana Islands.

NMC thundered out from the gates with long-range bomber Jester Garcia and fastbreak demon Tony Diaz getting their way.

After dominating the first 26-15, the defending champions continued to build up steam and established an 18-point bulge, 51-33, at the break.

Jerry Ayuyu tried his best to rally his teammates in the second quarter, but Ray MacDuff and Jason John picked up where Diaz and Garcia left off, as NMC continued to enjoy a double-digit spread, 67-52, going into the fourth and final quarter.

It was all over but the shouting as the payoff period got underway, as both teams emptied their benches and NMC was able to cruise to the 22-point win.

Diaz and Garcia were the leading scorers for NMC with 23 and 21 points, while Ayuyu and Al Taitano fired 22 and 18 markers in the loss.

The government league resumes tonight with CHC hoping to bounce back against Saipan Mayor’s Office in the 6:30pm first game. The 8pm second game then pits DPS I against P&S.

First Game

P&S 72 – Masga 16, Jo. Palacios15, Iglecias 13, Duenas 11, Ja. Palacios 8, Diaz 5, Agulto 2, Takai 2.

CHC 68 – Diaz 16, Guerrero 15, Raho 12, Kalen 4.

Scoring by quarters: 12-17, 37-32, 53-53, 72-68.

Referees: Jess Pacheco and Jess Pabula.

Second Game

NMC 102 – T. Diaz 23, Garcia 21, John 14, MacDuff 14, R. Diaz 10, Palacios 8, Basa 5, Satur 2, Jer. Diaz 2.

DPS II 80 – Ayuyu 22, Taitano 18, Norita 14, Hocog 9, Regis 9, Mareham 5, Kiyoshi 2.

Scoring by quarters: 26-15, 51-33, 67-52, 102-80.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Noel Delos Santos.