Second half charge lifts Toyota over Ulloa’s

Trailing after the first two periods, powerhouse Toyota Prius put up a furious charge in the third quarter before earning their ninth win of the season with a 93-83 victory over Ulloa’s as action in the ongoing BANMI 25-and-under Basketball League continued Wednesday evening at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Ulloa’s players had the hot hand in the early goings, with Sablan brothers Josh and John nailing consecutive bombs from downtown to open the game and help their team hold a 13-12 advantage at the end of the first 10 minutes of play.

The two continued to put the rock through the net in the second period, nailing more shots from behind the 3-point line while getting solid support in the paint from forward Gyles Ruluked to open up a six-point lead before Prius closed in towards the end of the half to trail 38-40.

Toyota, however, broke the game wide open at the start of the third period, exploding on both ends of the court and eventually going ahead by as much as 16 points.

Prius fired on all cylinders in the third quarter, forcing a bunch of turnovers while converting at the offensive end, with Jeremy Winkfield going off for 14 points for a 71-56 cushion with one period left.

Still determined to stage an upset, Ulloa’s put up a desperate attack in the dying minutes, closing to within eight points, 80-88, before Prius recovered and held on for the 10-point victory margin.

Winkfield and center Ambrose Ogumoro led Prius with 26 and 19 points, while Dan Barcinas and Dexter Dillay supported them 16 and 12 points.

Josh Sablan led Ulloa’s with 26 points, while Ruluked and John Sablan contributed 24 and 17.

Action continues tonight the league-leading SaipanCell-NMC Hoopaholics open Friday’s action at 6:30pm against current third place holder San Antonio Wildcats in a follow up of their down-the-wire thriller which the Hoopaholics won by a hairline margin last month. The bout will be followed by the G-Rollers taking on Ulloa’s at 8pm.

The regular season of the BANMI-sanctioned league is expected to conclude within two weeks, closing with several make-up games.

Prius 93—Winkfield 26, A. Ogumoro 19, Barcinas 16, Dillay 12, Iguel 8, Seman 7, Lizama 2, K. Ogumoro 2.

Ulloa’s 83—Jos. Sablan 26, Ruluked 24, Joh. Sablan 17, D. Palacios 8, G. Palacios 6, Sampson 2.

Scoring by quarters: 12-13, 38-40, 71-56, 93-83.
Referees: Dado Vistal and Noel Delos Santos.