DCCA, P&S deck the halls with rivals

Department of Community and Cultural Affairs and Procurement & Supply got into the Christmas celebrations early after defeating separate opponents Wednesday night in the 2004 Government League at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

DCCA didn’t extend any Yuletide cheer to Commonwealth Health Center, as they ran roughshod over the bigger team 78-68 in the first game.

John Reyes and Romeo Iginoef were like elves in Santa’s workshop early in the ballgame, firing six and five points, respectively, as DCCA established a 24-18 lead after the opening quarter.

CHC fought back behind tall trees Tony Raho and Joe Tudela. The two behemoths muscled their way inside, combining for 11 points to help their team inch within 32-35 of DCCA.

In the third quarter, while DCCA kicked their game up a notch, CHC’s went south (pole). The trio of Reyes, old hand Elias Rangamar and young gun J.D. Dikito attacked CHC’s vaunted big men by beating them on the fastbreak and shooting well from the outside.

Reyes added six to his total, Rangamar scored all his eight points, and Dikito punched in six more, as DCCA blew the game wide open and entered the fourth and final quarter on top 57-44.

CHC tried to play Scrooge to DCCA’s night-before-Christmas-party wish in the payoff period by going back to their strength, Raho and Tudela on the low blocks. But it was another case of too little, too late as DCCA hung on to the lead and posted the win.

Dikito and Reyes led DCCA’s balanced attack with 12 points apiece, while Ben Pelisamen and Iginoef added 11 each.

Raho and Tudela paced CHC’s losing cause with 16 and 15 points, respectively. Tom Diaz chipped in 13 and Richard Siedler 11.

P&S also wasn’t feeling Christmassy in their encounter with Saipan Mayor’s Office in the second game, as they walloped the winless team 87-78.

Oscar Masga it seemed, exorcized the Ghost of Christmas Past, erupting for a game-high 36 points to lead P&S to victory. Ray Duenas and playmaker Frank Iglecias also logged in 16 and 13, as the duo compensated for the absence of Bruise Brothers Jack and John Palacios.

Ageless wonder Mario Palacios was the highpoint man for Mayor’s Office with 25 points. Marty Taisacan also shone in the loss after getting away with 22.

The government league will take a two-day break this weekend, as teams and their players celebrate Christmas Day on Saturday.

The league resumes play on Monday, Dec. 27, with league-leader Public School System taking on defending champion Northern Marianas College in the 6:30pm first game. The second game scheduled at 8pm then features a match-up between P&S and Department of Public Safety II.

First Game

DCCA 78 – Dikito 12, Reyes 12, Pelisamen 11, Iginoef 11, Dela Cruz 8, Rangamar 8, Camacho 6, Sablan 4, Tudela 4, Rogolofoi 2, Omar 2.

CHC 68 – Raho 16, Tudela 15, Diaz 13, Sieldler 11, Kalen 7, Guerrero 6.

Scoring by quarters: 24-18, 35-32, 57-44, 78-68.

Referees: Dado Vistal and Jess Pabula.

Second Game

P&S 87 – Masga 36, Duenas 16, Diaz 13, Iglecias 12, Guerrero 4, Takai 4, Palacios 2.

Saipan Mayor’s Office 78 – Palacios 25, Taisacan 22, Borja 12, Demapan 10, Tupas 5, Mizutani 4.

Scoring by quarters: 11-18, 35-27, 68-57, 87-78.

Referees: Mike White and Noel Delos Santos.