Tournament darkhorse team Kabong and Meda improved their standings going into the second round after beating respective rivals, Friday night in the ongoing 2012 season of the IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Using their youth factor, team Kabong outclassed Melengoes, 85-75. After establishing a 22-16 lead at the opening quarter, Kabong found its self nearly in a deep hole as Melengoes close down on them at the end of the first half with the score at 41-38.

However, Kabong managed to bounce back in the third as they spurted a 28-22 output to control the game at 69-60. From there, Kabong stole the limelight as they went on for the win with Armando Canseco leading the pace with 23 points with teammate Robinson Richard adding 20 as they now sport a 3-6 win-loss tally in the team standings.

Bisa Demei topscored for Melengoes with 25 as teammate Kent Moore chipped in 21 baskets as they suffered their eight lost for a 2-8 card.

On the other hand, Meda used its third quarter attack to beat the National 17 and Under squad, 76-69. Jeffrey Tkel paced Meda with 18 baskets as they now moved to 5-5 in the team standings while RB Dorado led the scoring chores for the National 17 and Under team also with 18 as they slipped to 2-6.

In other games, Mercury Optimax won over Surangel Kings, 86-80 while 4x4 Wheelers defeated Melengoes, 75-65.

Games will resume tonight with Nationals 17 and Under versus Spoilers at 6 p.m. while Aqua Smooth will face Islanders in the main game 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)