GMI Market, MGNEL outclass foes

MGNEL Construction’s Gerald Laguindam, left, pulls up for a shot against Chinese Association’s Chosen Zhang during the second quarter of their game in the MIBF outdoor league last Friday at the San Antonio court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

GMI Market ended Ace Hardware’s winning streak after earning an 85-78 win in the second game in the Mariana Islands Basketball Federation’s Inaugural Men’s Outdoor League last Monday night at the San Antonio court.

Paul Doseo starred in GMI Market’s upset over Ace Hardware, scoring 11 of his game-high 20 points in the final canto. Doseo also registered 6 of GMI Market’s last 9 markers to hand Ace Hardware its first loss after a 0-3 start. GMI Market got its third win in six games.

GMI Market took the victory after playing better offense in the second half. It was behind at halftime, 37-43, but managed to grab the upper hand by the end of the third period, 63-60, thanks to Prince Factor. The former Marianas High School standout dropped 9 points in the third canto making up for his dismal showing in the first half where he had only one field goal and a pair of charities. Doseo chipped in 5, while three other GMI Market players made it to the board in the penultimate quarter to put their team on top.

Doseo then saved his best for last, winning a shootout against Ken Viray in the fourth frame. The Ace Hardware gunner logged 8 of his 16 points in the final period, but was scoreless in the closing minutes of the match.

Meanwhile, MGNEL Construction got its second win in five games after edging the Chinese Association, 80-74.

Mark Ferrer exploded for 31 points for MGNEL, while Gerald Laguindam and Jun Tabora backed him up, adding 14 and 12, respectively.

Ferrer was consistent in scoring all night, allowing MGNEL to control the game right from the get-go. He had 9 points in the first quarter to hand MGNEL a 20-12 advantage. The MGNEL shooting guard tallied 7 more in the second to keep his team in front at halftime, 35-30, while their advantage was stretched to 9 after the third, 60-51, as Ferrer made 6 points in that canto.

MGNEL’s top scorer then finished the game with 9 more markers to foil Chinese Association’s comeback bid.

Mii Tekopua and Zhang Chen combined for 50 points for the Chinese Association, which is still winless after three games.

Monday Game
GMI Market 85 — Doseo 20, Alipio 16, P. Factor 14, Romo 8, Tolosa 4, Banayas 4, Aquino 3, M. Sison 3, A. Factor 3.

Ace Hardware 79 — Brennan 17, Viray 16, Quan 14, Babauta 6, Lauron 5, Rosario 5, B. sablan 4, J. Sablan 1.

Scoring by quarters: 11-16, 37-43, 63-60, 85-78.

Friday Game
MGNEL Construction 80 — Ferrer 31, Laguindam 14, Tabora 12, Bisana 6, Aguon 6, Paragados 6, Asuhan 2.

Chinese Association 74 — Tekopua 26, Chen 24, Zhang 12, Huang 9, Hao 3.

Scoring by quarters: 20-12, 35-30, 60-51, 80-74.