Autonomous avenges loss to Corrections

Defending champion Autonomous eased past the Department of Corrections, 82-68, Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium for its first win in the playoff round in the Inaugural PTI Inter-Government/Business Basketball League.

It was a reversal of fortunes for the two teams which met once in the regular season with Corrections capitalizing on Autonomous’ depleted lineup to lead their power outage-suspended match on Aug. 29, 82-62, with three minutes, .02 of a second left in the final quarter.

Autonomous decided not to continue the game, as it was lacking manpower.

But in the important playoff round, Autonomous made sure they have their main gunners to lead the team’s attack.

Ponce Rasa and Ed Diaz, who were absent in their first game against Corrections, anchored Autonomous’ potent offense, combining for 52 of the team’s total points.

Rasa announced his entry, scoring Autonomous’ first basket and went on to finish with 11 points in the first quarter, which ended with his team ahead by five, 18-13. Rasa led al scorers with his 29 points.

Diaz started slow, scoring only nine in the first half, but he cut loose in the second half, escaping his defenders and drilling numerous layups.

He finished with 23 points, making 10 in the third quarter, which saw ATM pulling away with a 60-42 advantage, entering the fourth quarter.

Mitch Aaron, who also missed their game against DOC in the regular season, chipped in seven.

Pete Iguel had his usual numbers for Corrections, firing 27 points, while Gregorio Blas added 17.

But these were not enough to lift Corrections to another win, as it missed the services of Jeffrey Quitugua, who averaged in double figures in scoring in the regular season. With Quitugua considered as an offensive threat to their foes, especially when he is slashing to the basket, he usually opens opportunities for his teammates to score.

But Friday night, Corrections had limited offensive options and were outhustled by the heftier, bigger and faster Autonomous.

Corrections now has to win its next game to avoid elimination.

The playoff round in the PTI caging has a double-elimination format.

Next week, four more teams will play their first game in the playoffs. Pennant champion NMC will meet the Legislature, while No. 2 PTI will collide with Tinian.

DCCA opened action in the playoffs Thursday and pulled off a dramatic 83-82 victory against Bank of Guam with Elias Rangamar swooshing a 3-point shot in the closing seconds of the game.

Autonomous 82—P. Rasa 29, Diaz 23, Aaron 7, Wesley 6, Camacho 6, Coldeen 4, Castanares 2.

Corrections 68—Iguel 27, Blas 17, Itibus 10, Mendiola 5, Joab 4, Kwon 2.

Scoring by quarters: 18-13, 35-29, 60-42, 82-68.

Referees: Gilbert Espinosa and Eric Artillaga