Favored teams prevail in Tan Holdings caging

Saipan Tribune/Realty Management Service’s Ferdie De La Torre, second left, provides the last line of defense against the driving Matt Duenas of Kanoa Resort during the first quarter of their game in the Tan Holdings caging last Saturday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Shirley’s walloped CTSI/D&Q in the curtain-raiser, 89-73, to improve to a league-best 6-0 record, while Fiesta moved up to a 5-1 slate, following a 77-67 win over POIC in the second match.

Shirley’s secured the 16-point winning margin after going all out in the fourth quarter. Shirley’s was ahead by only three at the end of the third period, 61-58, when it nearly doubled CTSI/D&Q’s output in the fourth frame to turn a close game into a blowout. Fradel Sedillo led the breakaway, recording 10 points in the final canto, as Shirley’s went on a 28-15 scoring binge.

Sedillo finished with a team-high 24 points and drew 14 and 13 markers in support from Erick Dela Rosa and Angel Catungal. Ariel Jinang had a game-high 25 points for CTSI/D&Q and was the lone player on his team to score more than four points. Jimmy Salazar added 19 for CTSI/D&Q, but converted only one field goal in the fourth canto.

In the second game, Fiesta gained momentum in the third period and hung tough in the fourth to hand POI (3-3) its third straight loss.

Fiesta was on top by only four points at halftime, 34-30, when it fired 25 points against only 10 from POI for a commanding 59-40 lead. Djay Ong helped Fiesta pull away in the pivotal third period, nailing 10 of his 28 points in that canto, including the team’s last six markers. Three other Fiesta players chipped in at least two baskets apiece to make up for the absence of their key player Elmer Esdrelon.

Ong continued his streak, giving Fiesta its first four points in the fourth frame, while Felix Demafeliz also had a string of baskets for six points to widen the gap. POI never recovered from thereon.

Meanwhile, Kanoa Resort snapped its two-game losing skid after crushing Saipan Tribune/Realty Management Services in the nightcap, 93-69. Kanoa got its fourth victory in six games, while Saipan Tribune/Realty Management Services is still winless after six matches.

First Game
Shirley’s 89 – Sedillo 24, Dela Rosa 14, Catungal 13, Laxa 8, Usi 6, Jugos 6, Drillon 4, Domingo 4.

CTSI 73 – Jinang 25, Salazar 19, Garcia 16, Echavez 10, Nieves 6.

Scoring by quarters: 25-18, 46-42 61-58, 89-73.

Second Game
Fiesta 77 – Ong 28, Lavarias 10, Alakda 8, Macoto 6, Villamena 6, Demafeliz 6, Quizon 5, Belo 4, Matsutaro 2.

POI 67 – Villanueva 20, Tenepere 17, Kim 11, Salamat 7, Matagolai 6.

Scoring by quarters: 18-15, 34-30, 59-40, 77-67.