SIS bags easy win against GCA

Saipan International School’s Kuu Nishimura drives against a phalanx of Grace Christian Academy defenders during their game in the CCOPSA caging last Friday at the Geckos court in As Lito. (Roby N. Pamintuan)

Saipan International School had their way against Grace Christian Academy after cruising to a 51-34 victory in the 2018-2019 Commonwealth Coalition of Private Schools Association Varsity Basketball League last Friday at the Geckos court in As Lito.

The Geckos led the Eagles right from the get-go as co-captains Kuu Nishimura and A.J. Hudkins teamed up in handing their squad a13-4 advantage after the first period. Hudkins showcased his versatility in the opening quarter, as he swished a trey to draw first blood and then hit two more shots in the paint for his 7 points. Nishimura added 4 points, while Mike Lee’s reverse lay up skipped off the backboard and found the bottom of the net to end the period.

In the second canto, the Eagles deployed two and even three players to slow Hudkins down and they managed to neutralize the SIS center. However Nishimura and Ron Muńa helped the Geckos extend their lead at the break, 22-11

When the game resumed, the Geckos turned to their defense to limit the Eagles to 4 markers in the third period. Only Steven Balakrishna and Keoni Yarofalir were able to knock down shots for GCA, while the trio of Nishimura, Hudkins, and Lee, combined for a dozen for SIS, as they pulled away further, 34-15, with only one quarter left.

The Eagles came to life in the closing canto, as they generated 19 markers, but the Geckos played steady on offense and scored 17 to maintain their safe distance. Lance Tumalad had 9 points for GCA in the final canto and all came from the 3-point area, while Balakrishna and Seung Jun Baek combined for the 10 other markers.

Hudkins and Nishimura to-scored for SIS after firing 19 points apiece.

With the victory, the Geckos now hold a 5-5 slate, while Grace Christian ended their season with a 3-11 record. The Eagles finished the season at seventh place, ahead of Agape Christian School 2 (0-13), while SIS’ ranking has yet to be decided, as it still has two make-up games left.

The Geckos will take on Agape Christian School 1 today at the latter’s court in Gualo Rai at 3:30pm, while their last match will be against Saipan Southern High School.

SIS 51—Hudkins 19, Nishimura 19, Lee 6, Muńa 5, Guo 2.
GCA 34—Balakrishna 13, Tumalad 9, Baek 4, Kim 2, Masilungan 2, Ryu 2, Yarofalir 2.
Scoring by quarters: 13-4, 22-11, 34-15, 51-34.