JTM Saipan overhauls NAPA in open caging

JTM Saipan’s Vinz Rodriguez stretches for a layup against NAPA Auto Parts’ Rommel Bartolo in the open division of the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League last Sunday at the Koblerville Basketball Court. (MARK RABAGO)

JTM Saipan used a balanced scoring attack to down NAPA Auto Parts, 72-63, in the open division of the Legends Sports Association Invitational Basketball League last Sunday at the Koblerville Basketball Court.

After a lackluster opening quarter that saw them trail NAPA, 18-21, JTM Saipan turned on the turbochargers and managed to overhaul NAPA’s lead to take a 33-29 spread at the half.

They would then choke NAPA’s scorers in third, limiting them to just 15 points, while shooting the lights out with 23 of their own to open up a 12-point lead, 56-44, heading into the fourth and final quarter.

In the payoff period, JTM Saipan then withstood NAPA’s repeated rallies to zoom to the finish line with the 9-point win.

Speedster Joseph Torres led JTM Saipan with 19 points, while Jonel Broncano (16 points), Ryan Bayna (15 points), and Vinz Rodriguez (11 points) all finished in double figures for the now 4-1 team. 

NAPA, which fell to 3-2 in the open division standings, was paced by the 18 points of Preston Basa, while veteran big man Jorge De Guzman added 13 points.

Other results in the open division saw Marianas Health Services improve to 2-3 following a 75-66 victory over Pepoy’s Rest Cafe, which is still winless in five outings. 

Changming Store rebounded from last week’s loss to league-leader Blue Haus by dismantling Padrinos Tuesday Club, 76-59. The latter is now at 4-1, while the former dropped to 2-3.

Pacific Best Choice then defeated another winless team after a 75-67 win over Al-Ger Manpower. Pacific Best hiked its record to 3-2, while dealing their opponents a fifth loss in as many tries.

Blue Haus kept its unblemished record following a 65-42 ramrodding of Vizion Insurance. It was the fifth win against zero losses for Blue Haus, while Vizion Insurance absorbed its third loss compared to two wins.

Vizion Insurance’s older brothers in the masters division weren’t as unlucky as there was no risk involved in their 103-78 shellacking of winless Legends Elite. Vizion improved to 2-3, while Legends continued to fall with its fifth loss in as many games.

In the shocker of the day, erstwhile unbeaten JSN Construction lost to Blue Haus, 85-76. In the first round, JSN Construction snapped Blue Haus’ undefeated streak in the masters division. Both teams now have identical 4-1 cards.

JTM Saipan 72 – Torres 19, Jon. Broncano 16, Bayna 15, Rodriguez 11, Romo 3, Ruiz 3, Rivera 2.
NAPA Auto Parts 63 – Basa 18, De Guzman 13, Tibayan 9, Ege 8, Diaz 6, Hernandez 2, Escano 2.
Scoring by quarters: 18-21, 33-29, 56-44, 72-63.