Manta Rays earn fourth straight finals appearance

The Saipan Southern High School Manta Rays were hungry to return to the finals and accomplished that goal with an impressive 76-65 victory over the Marianas High School Knights in the semifinals of the 2006 MISA High School Basketball League Friday at the MHS Gymnasium.

With the win, the Mantas earned their fourth straight trip to the finals, where they will get another shot at defending champion Mt. Carmel School Knights on Wednesday.

Disposing of the Dolphins was no easy task though, as the Marianas High squad threw everything they had at the Mantas.

The two teams were locked in a tough battle form the start, with the Mantas managing to take a slim four-point advantage after 10 minutes of play. Jack Lizama stepped up for his Southern team, drilled two triples, and had nine points, while Jayvan Tarkong and Joemar Tumaquip prevented the Dolphins from being pushed around by combining for 10 points.

The even battle carried over to the second period as both teams showed their determination and matched each other well. The Dolphins, however, were able to take the stanza and close to within two points at the break, 34-36,

Tumaquip again stepped up to the challenge and tried to lead the Dolphins the best he could as he knocked in two bombs plus another field goal at the start of the second half, however, the Mantas were still able to pad their lead, scoring three points more than their opponents for a 56-51 lead with 10 minutes of play remaining in regulation.

With their crowd cheering their hearts out and their school band providing support with tunes, the Mantas were able to close strong and earn their ticket as they outscored the Dolphins, 20-14, with Lizama, Preston Basa, and Jason Bahillo combining for 14 of the markers.

Lizama and Basa led the Mantas with 21 and 16 points, each knocking in three triples, while Bahillo was strong in support with 12 points.

Tumaquip finished with a team-high 21 points, while Tyrone Omar added 13 points for the Dolphins.

Championship Wednesday begins at 4pm with defending champion Lady Dolphins taking on the Lady Rays, also a rematch of last year’s girls finals. The Mantas-Knights battle begins at 6pm.

The Mantas won the title three years ago and lost to the Dolphins the year before.

SSHS 76 – Lizama 21, Basa 16, Ja. Bahillo 12, Babauta 9, Eclevia 6, Chan 4, Maratita 3, Duenas 2, Dela Cruz 2.

MHS 65 – Tumaquip 21, Omar 13, Tarkong 9, Tebuteb 7, Phillip 5, Magday 5, N. Mateo 2, Bryant 2, Taitano 1.

Scoring by quarters: 18-14, 36-34, 56-51, 76-65.

Referees: Eric Artillaga and Joe Mettao.