Labor alone in first place, Tinian wins

The Department of Labor is alone on top of the team standings, while Tinian continues to play well as action in the ongoing 2006 Inter-Government Basketball League continued Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

DOL trailed in the early goings but turned things around and controlled the final three periods for a 90-72 victory over Northern Marianas College Proa.

Down 21-26 after the first 10 minutes of play, Labor played tougher defense and held NMC to 16 points, while going off for 25 points to take a slim 46-42 halftime advantage. Mitch Aaron came up big for the second straight game as he scored all of his 11 points in the turn-around, nailing three field goals and five free throws to fuel the Labor charge.

Things continued to get worse for NMC as the team went ice cold in the third quarter and managed to pump in just nine points.

Former national team player Steve Rasa and the rest of the Labor crew took advantage of the golden opportunity and drilled in 20 points for a 66-51 lead heading into the final period.

NMC broke out of its slump in the dying minutes, but was not able to threaten Labor’s lead.

Rasa led Labor with 28 points, while Tim Wesley added 13 points. Aaron and Nathan Fujihira each had 11 points each, while Charlie Peters contributed 10 points.

Tony Diaz led NMC with 20 points, while Kevin Castro had 16 points.

Earlier, Tinian dominated the second half and outscored Public School System by 10 points in the final 10 minutes to escape with an 80-72 victory.

Ton Borja scored 17 points in the pivotal fourth period and finished with 28 markers to lead Tinian, while veteran John Santos hit six triples and came away with 26 points. Jess Manibusan also added 11 points.

Taj Van Buren led PSS with 26 points, while Nick Gross and Gary Lashley added 16 and 14 points.

First Game
Tinian 80 –T. Borja 28, Santos 26, Manibusan 11, Manglona 3, L. Pascua 3, R. Borja 3, Cruz 2, Reyes 2, Barcinas 2.
PSS 72 – Van Buren 26, Gross 16, Lashley 14, Peter 7, J. Villagomez 2, Mendez 2, Buniag 2, Diaz 2, Duenas 1.
Scoring by quarters: 18-15, 33-39, 55-57, 80-72.
Referees: Jess Pabula and Gilbert Espinosa.

Second Game
DOL 90 – Rasa 28, Wesley 13, Aaron 11, Fujihira 11, Peters 10, Manibusan 6, Mostales 4, Ayuyu 3, Poquiz 2, Tarope 2.
NMC 72 – Diaz 20, Castro 16, Roberto 8, Attao 8, Aldan 7, Aguon 5, Tomokane 4, MacDuff 2, John 2.
Scoring by quarters: 21-26, 46-42, 66-51, 90-72.
Referees: Jess Pabula and Gilbert Espinosa.