Labor does number on OPA

Department of Labor solidified their hold of second place in the 2004 Government Basketball League after beating Office of Public Auditor to a pulp, 76-46, Saturday afternoon at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Like a diesel engine, DOL started rather slow but was still no match against an obviously overmatched OPA squad. With power forward Ray Roberto powering his way for all of his four points, DOL took a 14-8 lead after the opening quarter.

DOL players then began to find their rhythm in the second quarter. The menacing frontline of power forward Steve Rasa and center Tim Wesley erupted for 14 points, while sharpshooter Beverly Igitol let loose for four more, as Labor more than doubled up OPA, 34-16, at the break.

OPA leading scorer Chris Camacho tried in vain to lead his team back against DOL in the third quarter by firing six points. But it was futile in the face of a torrent of points from DOL.

Igitol bombed away from the land of plenty and Wesley and Rasa continued to control the paint, as DOL was able to take a 52-31 spread into the fourth and final quarter.

It was already a won ballgame for Labor as the payoff period got underway but Mitch Aaron used garbage time to shine on the court.

DOL’s starting point guard put on the finishing touches on a dominating performance by his team, logging in nine of his 16 points in the final 10 minutes.

Rasa led four DOL players in double figures with 21 points. Aaron scored the aforementioned 16, Wesley 15, while Igitol wound up with 12 markers.

Camacho and Erick Atalig were the only OPA players to end up in twin digits with 17 and 10 points, respectively.

The second game between Commonwealth Ports Authority and Tinian was postponed because the latter held its Christmas party the same time as game time.

The government league resumes tonight with a battle between the Commonwealth’s two law enforcement agencies, as Department of Public Safety I faces DPS II in the 6:30pm first game. The 8pm second game then pits undefeated Public School System against OPA.

DOL 76 – Rasa 21, Aaron 16, Wesley 15, Igitol 12, Tudela 6, Roberto 4, Paraiso 2.

OPA 46 – C. Camacho 17, Atalig 10, Torres 9, D. Camacho 8, Tomokane 2.

Scoring by quarters: 14-8, 34-16, 52-31, 76-46.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Jess Pacheco.