McDonald’s eases past Docomo

McDonald’s Sherwin Gaspar looks for a teammate to pass the ball to as he is hounded by Docomo’s Richard Mendiola during the fourth quarter of their game in the JP World caging last Wednesday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

McDonald’s capitalized on Docomo’s fourth-quarter meltdown to notch an easy 73-58 win in the second game in the 2nd JP World Corp. Customer Appreciation Basketball League last Wednesday at Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium.

With the victory, McDonald’s moved up to third place in the team standings, tying Saipan Ice & Water’s 3-4 record. Saipan Ice earlier gained its third win in seven games after outclassing Mariana Resort, 78-72, in the curtain-raiser. Mariana Resort dropped to a 2-5 slate, while Docomo fell to a 2-5 mark.

Docomo was very much in the game, 53-55, with still 8:34 left in the fourth quarter when it failed to buy a basket in the next four minute and change of the match, while four McDonald’s players combined for 11 points to give their team a baker’s dozen lead, 66-53.

Mel Manibusan finally ended Docomo’s silence, drilling a banked shot, however McDonald’s countered with 4 quick points to put the game away for good. McDonald’s protected the double-digit spread, as it ran down the clock, while Docomo canned only a triple after Manibusan’s basket.

Docomo made only four field goals in the fourth-quarter collapse, while McDonald’s nearly doubled up its foe in the final canto, 19-9.

Michael Achas top-scored for McDonald’s, logging 22 points, while his brother McClain chipped in 15. Gil Gapor also finished in twin digits with 14, drilling 8 of them in the third period where McDonald’s threatened to pull away, 48-34, before Docomo mounted a comeback late in that canto.

Meanwhile, Saipan Ice got its second win in a row after drawing 20-plus points from Treat Kaipat and Derrick Rangamar. Kaipat registered 23 markers, while Rangamar contributed 21. William Henry and Michael Welson backed them up, posting 13 and 11 markers, respectively.

Kaipat hit 10 of his total production in the third period to give Saipan Ice more cushion, 62-56, after holding a shaky 41-40 lead at halftime. Rangamar then took over in the fourth canto, tallying 9 markers, including three free throws that sealed the win for Saipan Ice.

First Game
Saipan Ice 78 – Kaipat 23, Rangamar 21, William 13, Welson 11, Olopai 4, Santy 4, Iguel 3.

Mariana Resort 72 – Litulumar 20, Manglona 17, Fidelino 16, Lifoifoi 10, Capuli 7, Bansil 2.

Scoring by quarters: 21-22, 41-40, 62-56, 78-72.

Second Game
McDonald’s 73 – Mi. Achas 22, Mc. Achas 15, Gapor 14, J. Achas 6, Ayuyu 6, L. Achas 5, Gaspar 3, Palacios 2.

Docomo 58 – Manibusan 19, Sanciangco 15, Joson 8, Diaz 8, Sablan 2, Hayes 2, Sanchez 2, White 2.

Scoring by quarters: 14-15, 32-30, 54-48, 73-58.