RNV Construction stuns Pardz Ballers

Saipan Adventure’s John Flores, right, drives against Max’s Restaurant’s Riel Paynor during their game in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Saturday at the Civic Center Court. (Kimberly A. Bautista)

RNV Construction played better in the second half to pull off an 87-82 victory over the Pardz Ballers in the 2019 One Pacific Promotional Basketball League last Friday at the Civic Center Court.

The upset gave RNV win No. 4 in seven games, keeping the team in the playoff race. The loss ended Pardz’s winning streak to five and dropped the squad from second to third place in the team standings, as it now holds a 7-3 slate.

After sticking close to Pardz in the first two quarters, behind by only one in the opening canto, 18-19, and 2 in the second, 33-35, RNV stole the lead in the third, 66-51. Ariel Baul, Enzo Biscocho, and Andy Mortos made 8 points apiece, teaming up in RNV’s 33-16 scoring surge in the penultimate period.

The same trio still worked together in the fourth canto, while Ronald Rueda joined the cause to give RNV the 5-point victory.

Mortod led all scorers with his 29 points, while Rueda finished with 18, and Baul and Biscocho added 16 and 14, respectively.

Rocyl Ritual had 17 markers to pace Pardz, but was held to one field goal in the entire second half. Joseph Galulu was scoreless in the final half after making 13 in first.

Saipan Adventure 84, Max’s Restaurant 78
In last Saturday’s game, Saipan Adventure downed Max’s Restaurant to match Pardz’ 7-3 record.

Max’s fell to a 2-7 slate and is in danger of not making it to the playoffs. Only the Top 8 teams out of the 12 squads will move into the playoff round after the regular season and Max is currently ranked No. 10 in the standings.

Saipan Adventure led from start to finish and scored at least 20 points in the first, second, and fourth periods to beat Max’s.

Randy Mungcal top-scored for Saipan Adventure with his 19 points, while Ogie Herrera had 33 on a losing effort for Max’s.

First Game
RNV Construction 87—Mortos 29, Rueda 18, Baul 16, Biscocho 14, Naval 4, Tagale 2, Taraya 2, Jumaquio 1.
Pardz Ballers 80—Ritual 17, Torres 16, Galulu 13, Jose 11, Romo 10, Bernardo 8, Santos 5, Barrios 2.
Scoring by quarters: 18-19, 33-35, 66-51, 87-82.

Second Game
Saipan Adventure 84—Mungcal 19, Morales 16, Verdeflor 13, Salazar 9, Ocampo 8, Alipio 8. Flores 8, Maesa 2, Leomo 2.
Max’s Restaurant 78—Herrera 33, Lerio 19, Salalila 11, Paynor 11, Tibayan 3.
Scoring by quarters: 25-17, 44-39, 58-57, 84-78.