Team WCC Hammers improve its standing as they went on to beat a tough Medalaii Stingers, 74-72 Tuesday night in the ongoing 2013 season of the Shell IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) played at the Palau National gym.

After taking a 19-9 lead, WCC Hammers would distance themselves as they took a 21-14 run in the second to close the half with a 40-18 lead. From there WCC Hammers showed poise under pressure as they were able to take the win.

Brandon Harvey topscored for WCC Hammers with 22 as teammate Mike Williams chipped in 16. Spice Koshiba, on the other hand, finished the game with 19 for the Stingers while Asailee Yamada added 16 on the losing cause.

In other games, Ksau Imaging Solutions beat Nationals, 83-81; Breakers bested PCC Mesekiu, 91-90; and Idid Airwaves defeated Ngermid Rivals, 64-61.

Games resume tonight with Peched Raw versus Medalii Stingers at 7:30 p.m. while Monday night games will feature 4x4 Wheelers against Nationals at 6 p.m. as WCC Hammers will meet PCC Mesekiu at 9 p.m.

Teams seeing action this season include defending champion FR Spoilers (sponsored by FR Construction), Peched (sponsored by Surangel’s Raw Surf Shop), 4x4 Wheelers (sponsored by Palau Trading Company), Ksau Imaging Solutions (sponsored by Surangel and Sons Company), Nationals 19 and Under (sponsored by IP&E Palau), WCC Hammers (sponsored by Williams Construction Company, Manny Adelbai and Bunker Ruluked), Medalaii-Stingers (sponsored by Neco Marine and Koror State Youth Council), Idid Airwaves (sponsored by Koror State Youth Council), Ngermid Rivals (sponsored by Koror State Youth Council), PCC Mesekiu (sponsored by Palau Community College) and Breakers (sponsored by Palau Trading Company and Senator Mark Rudimch).

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)