Saipan Vegas eliminates IT&E

Saipan Vegas’ Junar Guiab, left, rams into the defense of IT&E’s Bruce Berline during their playoff game in the Civic caging last Saturday at the Civic Center court. (Roselyn B. Monroyo)

Saipan Vegas played steadier in the homestretch to pull off a 55-53 victory against IT&E in the playoff game in the 2018 Civic Center Inter-color Basketball League last Saturday at the Civic Center court.

Randy Mungcal scored the go-ahead basket and wisely missed his second free throw after also muffing his first attempt, leaving IT&E not enough time to take a decent shot.

Mungcal’s basket came after Ivan Devero tied the match, 53-all, with 37 seconds left in the fourth quarter. Devero was also fouled on his way to the basket, but failed to complete the and-1 play, leaving the game in a standoff.

Mungcal then countered with his own 3-point play, but also did not make the bonus shot, while IT&E got the rebound, however, Nate Mateo faltered on his shot. Alvin Almario collared the rebound and tried to call timeout, but was given none, as the ball was live, and a held ball was eventually called, down to the last 18 seconds of the match.

IT&E got the possession arrow and had a chance to either tie or regain the lead. However, neither materialize, as Peredo could not pull up for a shot against three Saipan Vegas defenders, while Devero missed a jumper from downtown. Mateo then recovered the ball, but was caught stepping on the baseline, giving possession to Saipan Vegas with 4 seconds left in the game.

IT&E was forced to commit a foul on Mungcal after the inbound play to stop the clock, which read at 2 seconds. Mungcal’s first attempt was too strong and he intentionally missed the second one, while Brendon Talania got the rebound and was still at the backcourt when he threw the ball at the buzzer.

It was a come-from-behind victory for Saipan Vegas, as IT&E was in control majority in the game, posting its biggest lead at 36-24, in the fourth quarter. Mungcal, Paulo Sanguyo, and Junar Guiab then teamed up in bringing Saipan Vegas back into the game, which ended in a tie after three periods, 42-42.

It was a close match after that with IT&E falling short in the end, as the already depleted squad also lost big man Bruce Berline due to five fouls early in the fourth.

With the tough win, Saipan Vegas advanced to the semifinals and will face the winner of the Pinatubo and I-Secure playoff game this weekend.

Saipan Vegas and IT&E played in last Saturday’s quarterfinal match after downing Alamo Rent A Car and Hong Ye, respectively.

Saipan Vegas 55 — Sanguyo 16, Mungcal 14, Guiab 8, Camacho 6, Fernando 6, Almario 4, Usi 1.
IT&E 53 — Peredo 15, Mateo 13, Devero 11, Berline 8, Talania 6.
Scoring by quarters: 9-13, 20-27, 42-42, 55-53.