Routs mark opening of Tan Holdings caging

Kanoa Resort’s Matt Duenas splits the defense of Saipan Tribune/RMS’ Rowell Caduan, left, and Ferdie De La Torre during the first quarter of their game in the Tan Holdings caging last Saturday at the Gillette Multipurpose Gymnasium. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

In the curtain-raiser, Shirley’s Coffee Shop whipped CTSI/D&Q/SSBC, 92-72, while in the second game Fiesta Resort & Spa Saipan dominated POI Aviation, 88-73. Kanoa Resort joined Shirley’s and Fiesta in the win column after spanking Saipan Tribune/Realty Management Services in the last game of the weekend, 82-66.

The opening day winners dominated their respective foes right from the get-go en route to the east victories.

Shirley’s built a 20-9 advantage in the first period behind the 10 points of Fradel Sedillo. CTSI picked up its scoring in the second and third cantos, but was still outgunned by Shirley’s, 22-19, and 24-15, to drop its first game of the season. CTSI managed to pick up garbage points in the final quarter to outscore Shirley’s by three, 29-26.

Five players finished in double figures for Shirley’s with shooter Vince Yap leading the way with his 17 points.

In the second game, Fiesta also established an early double-digit spread after the first frame and never looked back from thereon. Paul Quizon drilled 9 of his team-high 16 points in the opening quarter to lift Fiesta to a 20-10 lead, going into the second period. Quizon’s teammates picked up in the last three quarter to protect Fiesta’s comfortable advantage. Elmer Esdrelon and Adonis Macoto backed up Quizon, registering 13 and 12 points, respectively.

In the third match, Matt Duenas sizzled for 33 points to power Kanoa Resort to the 16-point victory.

The former Saipan Southern High School standout made his presence felt in the match right in the opening seconds, hitting a triple. He drained another shot from downtown late in the opening period and went on to finish the first 10 minutes of play with 12 big points to outscore the entire Saipan Tribune/RMS crew and hand Kanoa a promising 20-6 lead.

Duenas kept going in the last three quarters to match the output of Mark Rabago, who led Saipan Tribune/RMS’ losing cause with his 33 markers.

First Game
Shirley’s 92 – Yap 17, Jugos 16, Nicdao 15, Dela Rosa 11, Sedillo 11, Drilon 6, Aguda 5, Catungal 2.
CTSI/D&Q/SSBC 72 – Cornel 14, Eliesor 12, Nieves 10, Justin 6, Echavez 5, Rodial 4, Jinang 3, Conadalla 2, Skilang 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-9, 42-28, 66-43, 92-72.

Second Game
Fiesta Resort 88 – Quizon 16, Esdrelon 13, Macoto 12, Vergara 11, Demafelix 6, Jaret 5, Soriano 4, Villamena 4, Lavarios 2, Galas 2, Johnston 2.
POI 73 – Arago 22, Villanueva 21, Salamat 13, Tenepere 5, Acosta 3.

Scoring by quarters: 20-10, 44-25, 66-54, 88-73.

Third Game
Kanoa Resort 82 – Duenas 33, Armia 12, Usi 11, Kaipat 8, Arroz 7, Cruz 5, Bustillo 3, Villanuna 2.
Saipan Tribune/RMS 66 – Rabago 33, Dela Torre 11, J. Ong 7, Angeles 6, Caduan 5, O. Ong 2.

Scoring by quarters: 20-6, 32-22, 56-38, 82-66.