The CNMI /Chuuk game was a lack lustre affair with most travels and contact situations called.  The players soon caught on and the game deteriorated into a “walk” up and down the court.  Chuuk guard Eddie Niffon again “shot the lights out”, racking up 27 points while CNMI “hot shot” Jericho Cruz hit 25 to take his tally for the tournament to 85 points at an average of 21.25 p.g.

The Kosrae and RMI men’s game had the same atmosphere as the previous game and the whole gym was almost dead quiet as the spectators seemed bored with the lack of activity on the court.  Again the officials called most contact and travels, and the players responded by simply slowing down everything to avoid any penalty.    It was a close game throughout and in the dying minute of the game RMI threatened to snatch the lead but their fouls  allowed Kosrae to just stay ahead.  RMI’s Nathaniel Lometo had a game high score of 31 points, equalling Eddie Nifon’s (Chuuk) previous tournament high score and David Taulung from Kosrae continued along with his usual high contribution of 21 points. 

CNMI women started confidently against Guam and had a good first quarter but then the Guam machine kicked into gear and they ran away with the game from thereon.  This game was allowed to get back to a physical contest in part with Guam players at times getting away with close to “mugging” their opponents.  In one situation with Guam on a fast break, the Guam passer deliberately took out the chasing CNMI player with a flying tackle that knocked her sliding along the floor – NO CALL!!!   HELLO!!!

The Pohnpei and Guam men’s game started dismally for Pohnpei with Guam playing aggressive defence for the 1^st quarter and that gave them a comfortable lead at the first break.  The Guam coaching staff rotated all their bench players into the game and that brought the score much closer with just 2 points difference at the half.  Pohnpei won the 3^rd quarter to make the score 39 – 39 at three quarter time.  Guam did just enough in the final quarter to win the game 56-47.  For Guam their scoring was evenly spread around and for Pohnpei Kelvin Sam and Cassidy Shoniber were their main contributors.   

In the final game of the day Palau women met up with the very inexperienced Chuuk team.  Again the Chuuk girls were not fazed by their opposition and gave their all.  Palau was able to give all their players valuable court time leading to the semi-finals and some of their bench players were able to step up and show their style.   The Palauans showed good sportsmanship to not blow out the score against the Chuuk girls.

 

 

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