Back-to-back for Ol’Aces

The Ol’Aces’ Tristan Montes attacks the defense of Rollers 2’s Antonio Santos, left, and Joel Subang during the first half of their U19 game in the 2014 Tan Holdings Basketball Classic last Tuesday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

The Ol’Aces, who got their first win last week against Sun Palace Hotel after dropping their debut to the 670 Sonics, hit important free throws in the homestretch to eke out the 3-point victory over the Rollers 2.

Adrian De Luna made three charities, while Tristan Montes added a pair for the Ol’Aces’ last 5 points in the closely fought match. Montes went on to top-score for the Ol’Aces with his 21 points, while De Luna chipped in 19 off the bench.

Lefty shooter Jethro Cruz had 19 points to lead Rollers 2, which absorbed its first loss in three games. Cruz found his target early, as he knocked in two triples in the first few minutes of the opening half to threaten a Rollers 2 breakaway, 14-6.

However, Montes and De Luna came to the Ol’Aces’ rescue, teaming up in an 11-2 run to grab the upper hand, 17-16. The match remained tight in the remainder of the first half, which ended with the Ol’Aces clinging to a 2-point advantage 26-24, after Montes canned a pair of free throws.

Montes continued to attack Rollers 2’s defense in the second half and with their foes going over the foul limit, he and De Luna managed to earn the needed points to lift the Ol’Aces to their second consecutive win.

In the first U19 match, Kagman Risers dominated the winless Rollers 3, 68-53.

Kagman led by 25 points at the end of the first half, 40-15, and never looked back to barge into the win column after a 0-2 start and hand Rollers 3 its third defeat in as many matches.

Three Kagman players broke into double figures in their easy win with Jonathan Santos scoring 24, Andrew Palino adding 15, and Wayne Li contributing 13.

Palino anchored Kagman’s strong start, knocking in 13 of his total points in the first half, including 7 straight markers midway in that period. Santos also had twin digits right at the end of the first half, making 10.

Santos was still at it in the second half and found a new partner in Li, who nailed Kagman’s first 6 markers in that final half.

Angelo Factor led Rollers 3’s losing cause with his 16 points, while Aaron Ogumoro also finish in double figures with his 12 markers.

Meanwhile, results of the lone women’s open division game last Tuesday will be reported in Saipan Tribune’s Friday edition.

First Game
Kagman 68–Jo. Santos 24, Palino 15, Li 13. Yu 5, Je. Santos 4, Param 3. Racadio 2.

Rollers 3 53–Factor 16, Ogumoro 12, Arceo 8, Yu 8, Tengco 5, Mendoza 2.

Scoring by halves: 40-15, 68-53.

Second Game
Ol’Aces 65–Montes 21, De Luna 19, Nakashima 10, Cristobal 7, Emitanio 3, Miller 3.

Rollers 2 62–Cruz 18, Alipio 16, Dancoe 10, Rios 8, Ellama 6, Deocares 4.

Scoring by halves: 26-24, 65-62.