Knights escape with 76-72 win over Ayuyus

The Mount Carmel High School Knights capitalized on crucial turnovers in the dying minutes of Friday’s 2005 MISA Interscholastic Basketball League and barely escaped a furious charge by the Kagman High School Ayuyus for a 76-72 victory at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

Both teams matched up well in the opening quarter, which ended with Kagman clinging to a hairline advantage, 15-14.

Kagman would continue to hold their slim cushion in the early goings of the second period leaning on the shoulders of guard Mario Patrinus.

The lead, however, would disappear as Mt. Carmel all-around standout Dan Barcinas took control, contributing with steals, blocks, and another 10 points to put his squad in the driver seat. Steven Kim and John Sablan also went hot from long range, helping the Knights go into the break with a comfortable 41-31 breathing room.

Using their speed and pressure defense, Barcinas and company continued to storm ahead, raising their lead to 18 points mid-way through the third stanza.

Kagman, however, managed to inch their way into the lead before the end of the 10-minute period, closing to within 13 points before the sound of the buzzer, 45-58.

A jump shot and another bomb from downtown by Kim brought the lead back up to 16 points, but just when it seemed like the Knights were going to cruise to victory, the Ayuyus came storming back and behind an18-2 run in the next four minutes, pulled to within 2 points, 65-67, and forced the Knights to call a timeout.

Consecutive jump shots by Jonathan Ada would give Kagman its first lead since the second quarter, 69-67, but the Knights would respond quickly on a layup by Jeff Deleon Guerrero to knot the score at 69 apiece. Deleon Guerrero was fouled on the play and connected on the free throw for a 70-69 lead.

Barcinas then showed why he belonged on the court, working extra hard, stealing the inbounds pass, and converting on a lay-up for a 72-69 advantage.

After a basket by Kim put the Knights up by 5 points, 74-69, Patrinus kept Kagman’s hope alive by hitting one of two free throws, then driving the lane for another bucket to bring the Ayuyus to within 2 points, 72-74, with only 1:12 remaining.

Kagman, however, failed to capitalize on a steal, turning the ball over to the Knights with only 11.4 second left.

Kim then sealed the win with a lay-up for the final score.

Barcinas was hot all night, going berserk and finishing with a game-high 31 points as well as contributing a handful of steals and four block shots, while Kim and Deleon Guerrero poured in 19 and 14 points for the Knights.

Patrinus also had a solid outing, torching the nets for 29 points to lead Kagman, while Zack Diaz and Ada supported with 14 and 9 points in a losing cause.

Credit was also given to members of the Marianas High School Lady Dolphins, who assisted at the official scorer’s table, enabling the game to start.

Mt. Carmel High School 76—D. Barcinas 31, Kim 19, J. Deleon Guerrero 14, Ogumoro 4, J. Sablan 3, A. Barcinas 2, V. Sablan 2.

Kagman High School 72—Patrinus 29, Diaz 14, Ada 9, Iakopo 8, Moses 6, George 5, Leeroy 1.

Scoring by quarters: 14-15, 41-31, 58-45, 76-72.

Referees: Ricky Itaas and Jess Pacheco.