DPS I surprises DOL

Getting a big boost from home-for-the-holidays Peter Camacho, Department of Public Safety I downed Department of Labor, 68-62, in the resumption of the 2004 Government Basketball League Monday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Seeing action in the first game, DPS I got an inspired performance from Camacho, who was called up to active duty by the U.S. Army and spent the last four months at Fort Bliss, Texas.

The sweet-shooting swing-man proved to be just what the doctor ordered for DPS I, as he complemented league-scoring leader Elias Saralu and whippet-quick guard Joe Ito.

Camacho went on to score 17 points in the ballgame, unloading 11 of those during critical moments of the third and fourth quarters.

Saralu still led DPS I with 28 markers, while Ito concentrated more on his ball-distributing duties but still found ways to score 12.

DOL had an off night from power-playing Steve Rasa, who was only able to cough up 16 points. Center Tim Wesley and point guard Mitch Aaron added 14 and 11 in the loss.

In the second game, DPS II continued with the evening’s upset trend, as they edged Procurement & Supply, 78-76, in a game that was put under protest.

Two-sporter Ned Norita traded his baseball cleats for his basketball high-tops and led DPS II with 31 points.

Former government league MVP Ed Diaz added 14 points for the victors but is right in the middle of the protest after P&S questioned his eligibility to play in the league.

Oscar Masga, Jack Diaz, and Bruise Brothers John and Jack Palacios all put in double-figure scoring for P&S in the defeat.

The government league resumes tonight with Office of Public Auditor taking on DPS I in the 6:30pm opener. The 8pm second game then pits Commonwealth Ports Authority against Commonwealth Health Center.

First Game

DPS I 68 – Saralu 28, Camacho 17, Ito 12, Santos 5, Celes 5. Kaipat 1.

DOL 62 – Rasa 16, Wesley 14, Aaron 11, Roberto 9, Sablan 8.

Scoring by quarters: 20-25, 33-41, 50-45, 68-62.

Referees: Abner Venus and Jess Pabula.

Second Game

DPS II 78 – Norita 31, Diaz 14, Ayuyu 8, Sablan 8, Hocog 5, Stephen 2, Mareham 2, Taitano 2, Quitugua 2.

P&S 76 – Masga 17, Jo. Palacios 16, Diaz 15, Ja. Palacios 12, Iglecias 8, Duenas 5.

Scoring by quarters: -10-23, 30-41, 53-59, 78-76.

Referees: Mike White and Dado Vistal.