Ezra, Samuel extend streaks in Genesis Cup

Ezra’s Nathan Borromeo unloads a running jumper against two Nahum defenders during the second half of their game in the youth division of the Genesis Cup last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Ezra and Samuel stretched their winning runs in the 5th Genesis Cup Christian Churches Inter-Color Basketball League after prevailing against separate foes in their respective divisions.

In the youth category, Ezra gained its third victory in as many games following a 50-41 triumph over Nahum last Saturday at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium.

Ezra led from start to finish, thanks to Nathan Borromeo’s consistent scoring. The Saipan Southern High School standout fired a game-high 33 points to keep Ezra’s perfect record and help his team stay on top of the five-squad field. Nahum, which fell to a 0-2 mark, drew 22 markers from David Cai.

In the other youth division match last Saturday, Joel moved up to a 2-1 slate after outclassing Hagai, 73-69.

Andrew Palino anchored Joel’s offense anew after making 22 points. He also drew enough help from his teammates, as three other Joel players broke into double figures.

Hagai, which shares the bottom of the team standings with Nahum, got 20 markers from Seth Alonzo.

In the adults division, Samuel improved to a 6-0 card following a 75-61 rout of Ezekiel in the first game last Tuesday,

Samuel went to business in the second half to turn a close match to a 14-point win. The game was tied after the first half, 30-30, before Mark Cando and Jerome Reyes teamed up for Samuel in the second to move their team one win away from sweeping the round-robin regular season.

Cando finished with a gamehigh 34 points, while Reyes chipped in 18 for Samuel, which will play its last game next week against Gideon.

Gideon also won last Tuesday, easing past Caleb, 68-49.

Caleb now has a 3-1 mark for a tie for third place with Jeremiah and just a win behind the second-running Ezekiel (4-1). Caleb dropped to a 2-3 mark and is also in a deadlock with Joshua, while Daniel (1-4) and Isaiah (0-5) complete the team standings.

A strong and balanced offense in the second half lifted Gideon over Caleb. The opposing teams were in a standoff at halftime, 31-31, and then Gideon spread the wealth in the second to pull away. Five Gideon players scored at least two baskets apiece in the final 20 minutes of play en route to their 19-point winning margin.

Joseph Gatdula top-scored for Gideon with his 14 points, while Allan Chavez contributed 13, and Sam Ramirez and Willy Sacdalan had 10 each. Angelo Hernaez paced Caleb with his 16 markers.

In other results in the adults division last week, Ezekiel defeated Caleb, 65-54, while Daniel edged Isaiah, 61-56.

YOUTH
First Game
Ezra 50 — Borromeo 33, De Jose 6, De Leon 5, Buno 2, Hu 2, Guevarra 2.
Nahum 41 — Cai 22, Sacdalan 13, Wang 4, Bacani 2.
Scoring by halves: 26-15, 50-41.

Second Game
Joel 73 — Palino 22, Elchico 13, Ocaya 13, Ocanada 10, De Leon 9, Ibanez 6.
Hagai 69— Alonzo 20, Wang 13, Irog 13, Brillo 12, Gonzales 5, Battalones 4.
Scoring by halves: 37-37, 73-69.

ADULTS
First Game
Samuel 75 — Cando 34, Reyes 16, Francia 8, Brillo 5, Robles 4, Acosta 4, Saures 2, Gonzales 2.
Ezekiel 61 — Don Teregeyo 17, Tobribio 11, Eugenio 9, Bacani 8, Samonte 6, Marilla 6, Dela Cruz 4.
Scoring by halves: 30-30, 75-61.

Second Game
Gideon 68 — Gatdula 14, Chavez 13, Ramirez 10, Sacdalan 10, Darag 9, Deleon 8, Balte 4.
Caleb 49 — Hernaez 16, Gozon 10, Joson 9, Castro 7, Henson 4, Dequito 3.
Scoring by halves: 31-31, 68-49.