McDonald’s eases past Top Development

McDonald’s Mike Achas loses the ball after being hammered by Top Development, Inc. defenders during the fourth quarter of their game in the JP World caging last Monday night at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

McDonald’ took early control of the match and withstood Top Development’s repeated comebacks in the second half to barge into the win column in its first try and join opening day winners Micronesian Brokers, Inc./Anchor and Shirley’s Coffee Shop.

Four McDonald’s players scored at least two baskets apiece in the opening period to give their team a 20-8 advantage. While several McDonald’s players hit the board in the first quarter, Top Development had trouble getting its shooting touch, as only Sefich Lorenzo canned more than a field goal in that canto.

Top Development then picked up its scoring in the second frame with Raymond Velasco finding his rhythm and drilling 12 points in that period. However, Gil Gapor and McLain and Joseph Achas teamed up for 14 markers to offset Velasco’s production and lift McDonald’s to a baker’s dozen lead at the break, 37-24.

After an impressive second quarter, Velasco went cold and was limited to two field goals in the third, allowing McDonald’s to break away with a 19-point advantage, entering the fourth period. Mike Achas, who had only one field goal in the entire first half, showed up in the third, knocking down 7 points, while the rest of his teammates also found their target to start the fourth canto with a comfortable lead.

McDonald’s padded its lead to as much as 24 early in the fourth with Mike and McClain alternately burning the hoop before the fast food chain let its guards down a bit at the halfway mark of the final canto, giving Top Development a chance to cut the deficit to as low as 9, 67-58.

Mike Achas paced McDonald’s with his 19 points, while McLain contributed 13. Joseph Achas and Ricardo Cruz also finished in twin digits, firing 11 and 10, respectively, while Gapor added 9. Velasco lifted the heaviest load for Top Development, scoring 33, while Allen Reyez was the second best scorer of the team with his 8.

Meanwhile, Commonwealth Utilities Corp. and Docomo Pacific played in the second game last Monday and results will be reported in Saipan Tribune’s Wednesday edition.

McDonald’s 74 – Mi. Achas 19, Mc. 13, J. Achas 11, Cruz 10, Gapor 9, Deleon Guerrero 4, C. Achas 2, L. Achas 2.

Top Development 62 – Velasco 33, Reyes 8, Lorenzo 7, Barros 4, Pollisco 4, Pangelinan 4, Emiliano 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-8, 37-24, 57-38, 74-62.