Defending champions Ngerbeched “Peched” Raw remains on course for their title retention bid after scoring their second straight victory at the expense of Mercury Optimax, 92-71 Wednesday night in the ongoing 2012 season of the IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Peched Raw displayed their scoring prowess after taking a 49-34 lead at the end of the first half. From there, Peched Raw met little resistance as they paced out Mecury Optimax in the scoring department taking the win and sporting a 2-0 win-loss card in the team standings.

Amando Fichmai led the scoring chores for Peched Raw with 19 baskets while teammates Douglas Schmidt and Calson Dulei added 17 and 15 points, respectively.

On the other hand, Arnold Undencimo topscored for Mercury Optimax with 23 markers while Reid Una Rikrik chipped in 17 as they suffered their first loss for the season to take a 3-1 tally.

In other games, Meda bested Melengoes, 59-54; Aqua Smooth defeated FR Spoilers, 87-74; Mercury Optimax won over National 17 and Under, 78-65; and Kabong drubbed Surangel Kings, 98-61.

Games resume tonight with Peched Raw versus 4x4 Wheelers at 9 p.m. while Monday night games will have National 17 and Under against Kabong at 7:30 p.m. followed by the main game that pits Melengoes taking on Aqua Smooth at 9 p.m.

The tournament, which is supervised by the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF), is a tobacco, alcohol and drug free program. Any violators will be banned from participating. For more information call Topps at 488-4491.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)