No Zone edges Lawmakers, OPA wins

Defending champion No Zone had their work cut out for them but still survived, while the Office of Public Auditor cruised to victory as action in the ongoing 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League continued Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

No Zone was put to the test after taking an early lead, but still notched its seventh win in 10 games with a 99-90 victory over the Legislature Lawmakers.

No Zone showcased teamwork in the early goings and played solid defense to post a 10-point lead, 22-12, after 10 minutes of action.

The DPS team, however, was not able to maintain momentum as the Lawmakers fought back and swung favor to their corner in the second period. Dave Sablan went off for 10 points, while Sim Iramk and Ray Duenas combined for 13 points as the Lawmakers outscored No Zone, 29-15, to take a 41-37 lead at the break.

A third quarter explosion was all No Zone needed to regain the lead as sniper John Sablan showed his shooting form and knocked in three triples, while Ed Diaz had two triples and 10 points as No Zone lit up the scoreboard for 32 points to take a 69-60 lead. The Lawmakers had 19 points in the period, the final 14 coming from Dave Sablan.

Looking to push his team to victory, Duenas went berserk and drilled 16 points in the final period. However, both teams matched each other point for point and No Zone held on to its nine-point cushion.

Diaz led No Zone with 32 points, while John Sablan and John Palacios added 15 and 14 points. Jerry Ayuyu and Carl Hocog also had 12 and 11 points.

Dave Sablan led the Lawmakers with 30 points, while Duenas and Iramk added 23 and 21 points. Dexter Mendiola also had 12 points.

Later in the evening, Jeff Quitugua went off for 25 points to lead OPA to an 89-64 victory over Department of Public Works.

Quitugua scored 14 points in the final period, closing his team’s push with consecutive 3-pointers.

Chris Camacho and Robert Torres also added 15 and 14 points, while Juan Camacho pumped in 12 points.

Frank Cabrera and John Deleon Guerrero led DPW with 17 and 15 points.

First Game
No Zone 99 – Diaz 32, Sablan 15, Palacios 14, Ayuyu 12, Hocog 11, Stole 9, Norita 4, Quitugua 2.
Lawmakers 90 – Sablan 30, Duenas 23, Iramk 21, Mendiola 12, Camacho 4.
Scoring by quarters: 22-12, 37-41, 69-60, 99-90.
Referees: Arnold Mesa and Gilbert Espinosa.

Second Game
OPA 89 – Quitugua 25, C. Camacho 15, Torres 14, J. Camacho 12, Sasamoto 6, Joab 6, D. Camacho 4, Dela Cruz 2, Castanales 2, Pangelinan 1.
DPW 64 – Cabrera 17, Deleon Guerrero 15, Torres 9, Norita 7, Sablan 6, Tomokane 6, Atalig 4.
Scoring by quarters: 19-14, 38-26, 61-38, 89-64.
Referees: Mike White and Jess Pabula.