Titans, Hoops successful again

The MARPAC-Nissan Titans and Bud Ice-SaipanCell Hoopaholics started the second round of the 2005 Budweiser Cup BANMI Men’s Island-wide Basketball League on high notes Friday.

The Titans converted crucial baskets in the closing minutes to hold off Anheuser-3’s Construction, while the Hoopaholics used a strong second half surge to defeat Bacardi-Golden Oldies.

In the opener, the Titans saw their double-digit lead evaporate, but scored when they needed to and came up with huge defensive stops down he stretch for an 89-84 victory.

Nissan got a huge lift from former national player Mark Wallace, guard Aleric Aguon, and forward Steve Rasa who accounted for most of the team’s offensive numbers in the first quarter for a 24-15 lead. Wallace was good for 10 points, while Rasa and Aguon each had seven points.

The Titans continued to control the bout as Jawn Joyner picked up where his teammates left off and waxed hot from the field for 11 points, as Nissan scored three more points than their opponents to stretch their lead to 12 points, 47-35, just before halftime.

Despite suiting up just six cagers, Anheuser refused to give in and after a much-needed break, returned to the court with the fuel they needed to make a comeback.

George De Guzman spearheaded a 25-17 run with eight points, and Anheuser shook off their slow start at the beginning of the game by cutting the deficit to just four points, 60-64, with a period left.

Anheuser continued to give the Titans a run for their money, keeping within striking distance, but Nissan was able to work their lead back to double digits and hold on for their seventh win in eight games.

Rasa led Nissan with 16 points, while Joyner and Wallace each had 15. Aleric Aguon and Andres Estolas also chipped in 11 and 10 points.

De Guzman paced Anheuser with a game-high 22 points, while Led Factor, Jolan Mendoza, Randy Arnedo, and Kevin Cequena scored 13 or more points.

In the second game, Bacardi-Golden Oldies was not able to keep pace with the Hoopaholics, who dominated the second half for an 87-65 victory.

Jeremy Sablan led Hoops with 17 points, while James Villacrusis was on target for three long-range jumpers in the first quarter and finished with 16 points. Jason Amado also added 13 points.

Tony Raho led Bacardi with 19 points, while Joe Punzalan and Robert Tamondong supported with 14 and 11 points.

First Game

MARPAC-Nissan Titans 89—Rasa 16, Joyner 15, Wallace 15, Aguon 11, Estolas 10, Peters 9, Quitugua 6, Fitial 4, Palacios 2, Lashley 1.

Anheuser-3’s Construction 84—De Guzman 22, Factor 15, Mendoza 15, Arnedo 14, Cequena 13, De Dios 5.

Scoring by quarters: 24-15, 47-35, 64-60, 89-84.

Referees: Arnold Mesa and Jess Pacheco.

Second Game

Bud Ice-SaipanCell Hoopaholics 87—Sablan 17, Villacrusis 16, Amado 13, Mendiola 9, Garcia 8, Fejeran 6, Awes 6, Diaz 5, Manibusan 4, Lee 4.

Bacardi-Golden Oldies 65—Raho 19, Punzalan 14, Tamondong 11, Berline 8, Espinosa 6, MacDuff 5, Muna 2.

Scoring by quarters: 18-16, 34-30, 61-45, 87-65.

Referees: Noel Delos Santos and Dado Vistal.