NMC inches closer to return trip to finals

What was anticipated as a close match turned into a one-sided game with Northern Marianas College downing Autonomous, 88-77, in the playoff round of the Inaugural PTI Inter-Government/Business Basketball League Friday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

NMC may have won by only 11 points, but it had the game in the bag as early as in the third period when it took a 70-49 lead.

The pennant champion sat out its starters in the fourth quarter, allowing Autonomous to cut the margin to a decent one.

Actually, Autonomous (formerly Office of the Public Auditor), which defeated NMC in last year’s finals, had the match in control in the first quarter before fatigue caught its players in the next thee periods.

Autonomous behind Bobby Coldeen and Ponce Rasa took a 20-16 lead at the end of the first quarter.

After a slow start, NMC stepped on the gas in the second canto, outscoring Autonomous, 28-18, to grab the upperhand at halftime, 48-34.

The defending champion could not keep up with NMC’s pace, as they had only six players available for the game.

Not even the presence of former NCAA Division I player Richard Brostrom could fill the void left by Autonomous’ three gunners—Steve Rasa, Tim Wesley and Ed Diaz—on the team’s offense. Rasa and Wesley are off island, while Diaz is nursing an injury.

Mark Wallace and Jose Tumaquip led NMC’s breakaway in the second quarter combining for 19 points. Wallace made two triples in the second period, while Tumaquip had one.

Wallace continued to wax hot from downtown in the second half, drilling two more triples, while Mel Manibusan took care of business inside, adding six in the third period.

After 30 minutes of play, NMC was way ahead by 21 points, and Autonomous showed little effort to return to the game, allowing the pennant champion easy layups.

With a comfortable lead in the fourth quarter, NMC coach Rufino started looking for his bench to give his starters the break they needed to prepare for an important game this Thursday.

NMC is a win away from earning a return trip to the finals. They will play the winner of the Department of Community and Cultural Affairs-PTI tiff for the first finals ticket.

Wallace topscored for NMC with 21 points, while Tumaquip and Jerry Diaz contributed 12 and 10 markers, respectively.

Ponce Rasa led Autonomous with 26 points, while Coldeen added 21.

Autonomous’ chances to defend its title now lie on the results of its game against the victor of Tinian-Bank of Guam match yesterday. The defending champion must win on Tuesday to keep its title-defense bid alive.

NMC 88—Wallace 21, Tumaquip 12, Diaz 10, Manibusan 6, Guerrero 6, Villagomez 6, Macduff 4, Villacrusis 4, Tomokane 3, Roberto 2.

Autonomous 77—Rasa 26, Coldeen 21, Camacho 14, Brostrom 8, Aron 3, Castanares 3.

Scoring by quarters: 16-20, 48-34, 70-49, 88-77