Mariana Resort takes early lead

Mariana Resort’s Joseph Galulu pulls up for a jumper against two PIC Chefs defenders during the opening game in the Emon Lodge caging last Monday night at the Gilbert C. Ada Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

With the win Mariana Resort, which came from a 94-71 demolition of Pacific Island Club’s Chefs last Monday, took the early lead in seven-team league.

A big third-quarter push helped Mariana Resort beat the debuting I Love Saipan, as the former scored 30 points for a 73-56 advantage, going into the last 10 minutes of play. Before the breakaway, Mariana Resort was ahead by only four at the break, 43-39. Mariana Resort spread the wealth in the third canto with seven players lighting up the scoreboard to turn the four-point cushion to a 17-point bubble.

The double-digit lead at the end of the third period was enough to offset the three straight triples Frank Babauta hit in a bid to bring I Love Saipan back in the game.

After Babauta’s consecutive treys, Peter Camacho also hit successive baskets late in the fourth, but only he and the former drained more than two baskets for I Love Saipan, while Mariana Resort kept its balanced scoring en route to the baker’s dozen winning margin.

Four Mariana Resort players finished in twin digits, while five others combined for 33 markers. I Love Saipan also had four players scoring double figures, but the three other players who suited up for the team in its debut game totaled for only eight markers.

Jorge De Guzman led Mariana Resort’s even scoring with his 13 markers, while Joseph Galulu added 12, and Ed Cosino and Jun Alipio contributed 11 each. Junior Renguul had 18 points for I Love Saipan, which got 17 from Camacho and 16 and 14 from Babauta and Elias Rangamar, respectively.

Meanwhile, Armatech made the grade in its first game, crushing Tan Holdings, 78-50.

Armatech outgunned Tan Holdings in each of the four quarters to bag the lopsided win. The easy victory was set up beginning in the second period, as Armatech padded its lead from seven to 14 by the end of the first half, 39-25. In the second half, Tan Holdings’ lackluster offense continued, while Armatech nailed baskets both in the paint and from beyond the arc.

First Game
Armatech 78 – Abuy 15, Pablo 10, Montano 9, Moreno 8, Tobias 7, Park 6, Poquiz 4, Ebuen 4, Tolentino 3.

Tan Holdings 50 – Surima 14, Miday 10, Ocampo 6 Drillon 5, Geli 5, Jacob 4, Sampang 4, Echavez 2.

Scoring by quarters: 21-14, 39-25, 56-38, 78-50.

Second Game
Mariana Resort 88 – De Guzman 13, Galulu 12, Cosino 11, Alipio 11, Pineda 8, Stole 7, Montes 6, Abuan 6, De la Torre 6, Garcua 2.

I Love Saipan 75 – Renguul 18, Camacho 17, Babauta 16, Rangamar 14, Iglecias 3, Ruluked 3, Joab 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-20, 43-39, 73-56, 88-75.