After their opening day loss, team Palau men’s squad bounced back as they went on to beat CNMI, 75-72 Tuesday night in the ongoing Matson’s men’s and women’s Micronesian Basketball Tournament at the FDMS Phoenix Center in Guam.

Trailing 40-34 after the first half, team Palau did not let their guards down as they were able to get within striking distance towards the final canto with the score at 57-55. Marvic Ngchar led the charge in the final quarter that caught CNMI off guard and giving team Palau its first win in the tournament for a 1-1 win-loss record.

Ngchar finished the game with 32 points as playmaker RB Dorado chipped in 10 markers.

On the other hand, Jack Aranda topscored for CNMI with 17 on the losing end as they suffered their second setback to remain winless with a 0-2 tally in the team standings.

With the win, team Palau will face Guam U16 in the final four while CNMI will meet the undefeated Guam U19.

In the distaff side, team Palau suffered its second blow as they fell short against CNMI, 51-37. Rachel Abrams sizzled for CNMI with 24 as Mahealani Adelbai topscored for team Palau with 12 as they sport a 0-2 tally.

Team Palau men’s squad is composed of Marvic Ngchar, O’Brien Ngemaes Jr., RB Dorado, Edward Baysa, Ray Rumong, Ngetimis Emesiochel, Medermel Yaoch, Keene Isao, Lipsman Timothy, Shonty Ubedei, O’Quinn Sakuma and Jim Ge with Ziske Asanuma as head coach and Logan Ngiriou as assistant coach.

For the girl’s team it will be composed of Diliaur Kumaichi, Ipolani Kebekol, Charity Chiokai, Meangeldil Azuma, Trang Sarabeth Ksano, Chantal Vanderberg, Kukong Ridep, Sherelle Williams, Deureng Misech, Mahealani Adelbai, Dorene Olkeriil, Marley Rubauliman and Cherry Steven with Jubilee Kuartei as head coach and Happy Fritz as assistant coach.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)