Bud Cup semifinals moved to next week

The 2006 Budweiser Cup BANMI Men’s Island-wide Basketball League semifinals have been rescheduled to next week.

According to BANMI vice president Elias Rangamar, the semifinals, which were originally scheduled to take place tomorrow at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium, were moved to next Saturday.

Rangamar said today’s scheduled first round of the playoffs, however, remains as is as two games will be held with tickets to the semifinals at stake.

Having first crack at earning a slot are three-time defending champion Ol’Aces-Budweiser and 2005 Inter-Government Basketball League champion No Zone-Bacardi. The two are expected to tip off at 6pm, with the Ol’Aces entering with a three-game win streak after dropping its first two games and No Zone holding a 1-4 regular season record, with its only win coming on opening day against the Ol’Aces.

The winner of the bout will advance to face No. 2 seed Wells Fargo CNMI Nationals in the semifinals at 8pm next Saturday.

The Nationals earned a first round bye after securing the second best finish in the league. The team, which will be representing the CNMI in the upcoming 6th Micronesian Games, finished with 4-1 win-loss card which was tied for the best record, however, dropped to the No. 2 spot via tiebreaker.

Facing off in tonight’s second bout is No. 4 Microl-Bud Ice and No. 5 Cyclones-O’Doul’s as their match is scheduled for 8pm. Microl defeated the Cyclones during the regular season, however, after winning its first two games, has lost three straight to close the regular round. The Cyclones enter with a 1-4 record, picking up its only win via forfeit over No Zone.

Whoever comes out on top will earn the right to face pennant champion Samahang Ilokano at Pangasiense-Bud Light in the semifinals next Saturday at 6pm.

SIP finished the regular season with a 4-1 card but because they beat the Nationals on opening day, were able to grabbed the No. 1 spot.

The two teams that come out victorious in the semifinals will earn tickets to the championship game, which is now scheduled for Sunday, June 11 at 8pm. Preceding the title bout is the consolation game, which will be between the two teams that lose in the semifinals. The consolation bout is set for 6pm.

An awards ceremony will be held shortly after a champion is crowned.