Saints crush Sixers III as IVYBL playoffs begin

League scorer champion Luizi Reyes was at it again and led his House of Manhoeben Saints to victory to survive and advance in the 2006 Island-wide Village Youth Basketball League playoffs Wednesday evening at the Chalan Kanoa District I Basketball Court.

Reyes took care of business and showcased his scoring skills in two of the four quarters to lead the Saints to the second round with a lopsided 69-17 victory over the San Antonio Sixers III.

With Reyes having his way offensively, the CTSI Logistics-backed Saints dominated the opening period, outscoring their opponents, 17-4. Much of the offense came from Reyes, who went berserk and worked his magic for 14 points.

Reyes relaxed in the second stanza and the Saints cooled off but still had control. Jody Kaipat took care of half of the 12-point effort by the Saints, and the team increased its lead to 20 points, 29-9, by halftime after limiting the Sixers III to five points.

Not satisfied and still hungry for more, Reyes returned to action and took charge as the veteran sizzled for another 16 points. League No. 3 scorer Zack Tudela also got going and punched in three field goals. With their one-two punch having a fiesta, the Saints pretty much sealed the win as they led 57-13 with only eight minutes to go in regulation.

The Saints again outscored their opponents in the final period to close with the 52-point victory margin.

Reyes finished with a game-high 30 points, while Tudela added 11 points.

IVYBL playoff action continued last night with the Sixers II battling the Matansa Sparks at the Garapan Basketball Court.

Action resumes on Monday as the Garapan Rollers II battles the Chalan Kanoa Kings at Garapan.

With the win, the Saints earned the right to face pennant champion San Antonio Sixers I on Tuesday, while the winners of the Sixers II-Sparks bout will face No. 2 seed G-Rollers I on Wednesday. The league will then take a break in observance of Holy Thursday and Good Friday and will return the following week.

For more information about the 2006 season of the IVYBL, contact Joe Mettao at 664-2500.

Saints 69 – L. Reyes 30, Z. Tudela 11, Kaipat 6, J. Reyes 4, Richard 4, Sandy 2, V. Iglecias 4, Travis 2, Ray 2, Joe 2.

Sixers III 17 – Marvin 6, Ferrer 4, John Paul 4, Wensimer 3.

Scoring by quarters: 17-4, 29-9, 57-13, 69-17.

Referees: Joe Mettao and John Reyes.