Knights back in finals

Defending champion Mt. Carmel School Knights made it back to the finals after avenging their earlier loss to Kagman High School with a 99-82 victory over the Ayuyus Wednesday night at the Marianas High School Gymnasium.

With that, the Knights await the winner of the Saipan Southern High School-Marianas High School battle today, with the result determining who will bag the second slot to the 2006 MISA High School Basketball League title game.

The Knights sought revenge after losing to the Ayuyus in the final regular season game last Monday.

The Knights got the start they wanted and opened with a 4-0 lead, but the Ayuyus came surging back and scored the next two buckets to tie the game.

The Knights were able to regain advantage as all-around standout Dan Barcinas worked his magic on the court, but the Ayuyus did not go away and got big productions in the paint from center Jon Ada and Mika Iakopo to swing favor to their corner. The Knights, however, were able to respond again and held a slim four-point lead after the first period.

The Knights were able to distance themselves in the second stanza as Barcinas continued to have his way, knocking in nine points, while Jeff Deleon added six points to spearhead a 25-18 run that resulted in the Knights holding an 11-point halftime advantage, 49-38.

The Ayuyus refused to go away and continued to give the Knights a run for their money as action resumed in the second half. Keone Chariton took the initiative and carried his team on his shoulders as he waxed hot from the field and knocked in 10 points, while Don Teregeyo punched in a triple and two field goals.

Despite the solid charge, though, the Knights were able to pad their lead, scoring a point better than their opponents for a 73-61 spread heading into the final 10 minutes.

With their season on the line, the Ayuyus tried to shoulder a comeback, however, they were not able to pull close.

Aitau Barcinas and Steven Kim each buried two bombs from downtown, and the Knights were able to cruise in the closing minutes to streak into the finals.

Dan Barcinas led the Knights with 26 points, 22 of them coming in the first half, while Deleon Guerrero supported him 23 points. Aitau Barcinas and Kim also had 13 points apiece.

Chariton and Ada led the Ayuyus with 21 and 17 points, while Teregeyo and Allen Moses added 14 and 10 points.

Saipan Southern Manta Rays and Marianas High Dolphins battle at 4pm today. The winner will face the Knights at 6pm on Wednesday. The girls championship game between the Lady Dolphins and Lady Rays is set at 4pm on Wednesday.

MCS 99 – D. Barcinas 26, Deleon Guerrero 23, A. Barcinas 13, Kim 13, Ogumoro 7, Paez 5, Naraja 4, Sablan 4, Nicolas 2, Kintol 2.
KHS 82 – Chariton 21, Ada 17, Teregeyo 14, Moses 10, iakopo 9, Degracia 7, Villanueva 2, Repeki 2.
Scoring by quarters: 24-20, 49-38, 73-61, 99-82.