Sixers I, Makos arrange finals tiff

Paul Magcalas’ suicide drive with 12.7 seconds remaining lifted Makos to a pulsating 81-79 win against defending champion Ol’Aces in the semifinals of the 2004 Saipan Rotary Club Summer Youth Basketball League Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

With the win, Makos joined pennant titlist Sixers I in the winner-take-all finals for the 18-and-under league championship.

Magcalas’s game-winning basket capped a 10-2 run by Makos in the last 3:53 of the contest.

Makos seemed all but defeated after Ol’Aces caught up with them and even led them by 6 points, 77-71, following a nifty left hook shot by Ol’Aces reserve center Marcan Aldan.

But Makos refused to give up. A basket by bruiser Won Joo Jung, a basket by Christian Dela Cruz and a layup in traffic by Magcalas tied it all up at 77-all with time down to 2:53.

Magcalas then challenged Leroy Kani, who had four fouls, on another drive to restore a 79-77 edge for Makos. Both teams will exchange fruitless possessions before Kani muscled his way inside for a potential 3-point play with 27.6 remaining.

While Kani was preparing for his bonus free throw, Makos called time out in an effort to freeze the high-leaping swingman. The ploy worked as Kani misfired and Makos got back possession only to lose it on a line call against Magcalas.

Ol’Aces, however, answered Makos’ turnover with another of their own when national player Dan Barcinas was called for steps.

That set up Magcalas’ heroics when he took the ball from the top of the key, dribbled to his right, sidestepped and then launched a floater against three defenders.

Ol’Aces had a chance to send the game into overtime but a costly turnover in their baseline throw reverted possession back to Makos and Makos just wasted the remaining time.

It was a gutsy performance for Makos, who led by as much 14 points in the second half, after taking a 37-32 edge at the half, before Ol’Aces started their comeback.

Magcalas fired a game-high 34 points to lead Makos. Jung tossed in 13 points, while Jose Magday and Magcalas’ brother Richard added 9 apiece.

Barcinas paced the now-dethroned champions with 29 points. Jeff Deleon Guerrero and Steven Kim also added 14, while Kani finished with 11 markers.

In the first game, Sixers I toyed with Sixers II and almost doubled up the final score of their sister team, 121-61.

Versatile swingman John Ramon Ngeskebei again spearheaded Sixers I’s rampage with 42 points, while flamboyant forward Rowell Aranda added 24.

Manuel Ajoste and Rayner Ferrer played well in the loss, pumping in 15 and 12 points, respectively.

Sixers I and II coach Ryan Nisperos also found himself in a sticky situation having to decide which of his two teams to coach. Nisperos eventually decided to mentor the younger Sixers.

The finals tiff between Sixers I and Makos start at 7pm tonight at the Ada Gym. The 5:30pm first game features the battle for third between Ol’Aces and Sixers II.

First Game

Sixers I 121 – Ngeskebei 42, Aranda 24, Cequena 15, A. Flores 13, B. Flores 11, Kaipat 5, Nancio 4, Echon 4, Lizama 3.

Sixers II 61 – Ajoste 15, Ray, Ferrer 12, F. Palacios 9, Kintz 7, Rangamar 6, Appelo 6, Bahillo 2, Ran. Ferrer 2. Echon 2.

Scoring by halves: 57-29, 121-61.

Second Game

Makos 81 – P. Magcalas 34, Jung 13, Magday 9, R. Magcalas 9, Dela Cruz 7, Hocking 7. Johnson 2.

Ol’Aces 79 – D. Barcinas 29, Kim 14, Deleon Guerrero 14, Kani 11, Aldan 4, K. Ogumoro 3, A. Barcinas 2, Tenorio 2.

Scoring by halves: 37-32, 81-79.