DPS I mightier than DPS II

For the moment, the Department of Public Safety Central in Susupe belongs to DPS I.

This, after DPS I earned bragging rights within the Commonwealth’s law enforcement agency following their 98-74 conquest of DPS II in the first game of the 2004 Government Basketball League Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

In the second game, league-leading Public School System kept their perfect record with a 78-68 win over Office of Public Auditor.

DPS I separated themselves from their so-called brothers-in-arms on the onset, as they opened up a 27-14 lead after the first quarter.

After scoring “only” six in the opening 10 minutes, league-leading scorer Elias Saralu caught fire in the second, puncturing the hoop with 14 points to help DPS I gain a comfortable 54-26 spread at intermission.

The one-two punch of Jerry Ayuyu and Ned Norita tried to rally DPS II back in the ballgame in the third canto, firing eight and six points, respectively, but Saralu got production from his supporting cast and they continued to enjoy a hefty lead, 73-54, going into the fourth and final quarter.

Pint-sized Joe Ito then put the finishing touches on DPS I’s dominating performance by netting eight points in the final quarter, as they won the ballgame running away.

Saralu led all scorers with 27 points, while Ito pumped in 22 markers in the victory. Ayuyu and Norita paced DPS II with 21 and 16, respectively.

PSS, meanwhile, rested the majority of their marquee players against OPA but still won anyway.

PSS swingman Peter Mendiola shared the game’s scoring honors with OPA power forward Dave Camacho. Both finished with 20 points. Taj Van Buren added 16 for PSS, while Taula Peter chipped in 18 for OPA.

Games of the government league continue tonight with Saipan Mayor’s Office taking on defending champion Northern Marianas College in the 6:30pm first game. The second game at 8pm pits Department of Labor against Commonwealth Health Center.

First Game
DPS I 98 – Saralu 27, Ito 22, Manglona 14, Farley 10, Santos 10, Celes 8, Taitano 7.

DPS II 74 – Ayuyu 21, Norita 16, Hocog 10, Manalili 6, Ogumoro 6, Pangelinan 5, Camacho 2, Sablan 2, Kiyoshi 2, Stephen 2, Taitano 2, Salas 2.

Scoring by quarters: 27-14, 54-26, 73-54, 98-74.

Referees: Noel Delos Santos and Joe Mettao.

Second Game
PSS 78 – P. Mendiola 20, Van Buren 16, White 12, Lashley 8, F. Mendiola 8, Bleckner 7, Blondin 4, Villagomez 3.

OPA 68 – D. Camacho 20, Peter 18, Sablan 13, F. Torres 4, C. Camacho 4, R. Torres 4, Pangelinan 3, Dela Cruz 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-9, 39-25, 52-48, 78-68.

Referees: Mike White and Dado Vistal.