Nationals nip Hoopaholics, 92-91

Allen Moses responded to the call of duty, canning a crucial free throw that lifted the CNMI Nationals to a thrilling 92-91 double overtime win over Docomo Hoopaholics in the 2008-2009 BANMI/Budweiser Basketball League Wednesday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Moses hardly played in regulation and was missing in action in the first extension period. But when Joemary Tumaquip was disqualified due to five fouls in the first overtime and Quincy Johnson struggled in the second extra period, Nationals coach Rufino Aguon recalled Moses from the bench.

Moses rose to the occasion, firing five of the Nationals’ 11 points in the second overtime, including the game-winning charity.

Moses went to the stripe for two free throws in the last 3.3 seconds of the game after drawing a foul from Joe Villacrusis.

Actually, it was Jericho Cruz who made things happen for Moses with the former making a key defensive stop.

With the game tied at 91-all, with 8.6 seconds left in the game, Docomo’s Mel Manibusan inbounded the ball from the baseline and passed it to Villacrusis.

Villacrusis quickly passed the ball back to Manibusan, as the former was trapped at the corner by two Nationals defenders.

Manibusan received the pass, but was rattled by the Nationals’ backcourt pressure defense, too, and went for a long crosscourt pitch. Cruz jumped the pass with his long arms deflecting the ball.

There was a scramble for the loose ball with Moses picking up the leather, driving to the basket, and drawing a foul from Villacrusis.

Moses’ first free throw went in and out of the basket. He released the second shot with the ball hitting the back iron of the rim first before bouncing back to the basket.

Docomo quickly inbounded the ball and David Palacios attempted a triple from midcourt, but the shot was off to the right board, securing the win for the Nationals.

Earlier, Pete Iguel could have won the game for the Nationals in regulation when he was fouled by James Villacrusis, with 2.7 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter and with Docomo ahead by only one, 74-75.

But Iguel split his charities, allowing Docomo to send the game into overtime.

Iguel had a chance to redeem himself in the second overtime when he was sent to the 15-foot line, again, off a Fitial foul, with 8.6 seconds left on the clock and the Nationals were behind, 90-91.

But Iguel muffed his first charity, anew, before making the second one to tie the game.

Despite Iguel splitting his charities and Docomo having possession, Aguon tactically did not call a time out. Had he, Docomo would have inbounded the ball from midcourt instead from backcourt making it easier for John Sablan’s wards to execute a play.

The win improved the Nationals record to 5-1 and allowed them to keep the lead in the seven-team league.

Cruz top-scored for the Nationals with 20 points. His pair of free throws in the last 1.7 seconds sent the game in second overtime. In regulation, he saved the ball from going to Docomo’s frontcourt preventing a backcourt violation for the Nationals and setting up Iguel for two charities.

In the second game, the Ol’Aces notched their third win in a row after downing the Runnin’ Rebels 88-72.
[B] First Game

Ol’Aces 88[/B] – Pelisamen 29, Iginoef 22, White 9, Olaitiman 8, Rangamar 4, Renguul 4, Lauron 2, C. Camacho 2.
[B] Runnin’ Rebels 72[/B] – Tumaquip 15, Norita 11, Iguel 10, L. Sablan 7, Coldeen 7, Lisua 6, L. Rangamar 5, Teregeyo 5, Ogumoro 2, Taisacan 2.

CNMI Nationals 92[/B] – Cruz 20, Iguel 19, Rabauliman 16, Tarkong 14, Johnson 9, Tumaquip 7, Moses 5, Camacho 2.
[B] Docomo 91[/B] – Sanciangco 25, Ja. Villacrusis 16, Fitial 15, Lee 8, Paul 7, Saralu 6, Jo. Villacrusis 5.