Teams Matakui and Breakers closed their respective series, Friday night in the ongoing play off round of the IP&E Amateur Basketball League (ABL) at the Palau National gym.

Matakui closed their best of three series by beating Meyuns Red Storm, 83-80. They closed their series with a 2-1 count. Matakui scored the come from behind victory after trailing the first quarter at 12-17 and then finished strong at the close of the first half as they outscored the Red Storm with a 24-17 output and take over the driver seat with a 36-34 lead.

From there, Matakui stood their ground and went on to score the win. Dennis Castro and Al Obrero led the scoring chores for Matakui with 32 and 20, respectively while Arnel Skibang and Franky Kuchad topscored for the Red Storm with 22 and 12 on the losing end.

On the other hand, the Breakers also closed their own series besting Papago Smooth, 73-72 to celebrate Valentines Day with a win at 2-1 count.

Trailing behind with a 17-20 count in the first action of play, the Breakers managed to climbed back into the game as they outclassed Papago Smooth with a 17-16 output to close the first half of action at 36-all.

Then, the Breakers surged a 20-16 run in the third that gave them a 56-52 breather and from there they just kept their cool as they went on to win the game. Hemley Ridep and Robinson Richard led the attack for the Breakers with 17 and 13 while Vance Polycarp and OJ Brell led Papago Smooth with 22 and 19 on the losing end.

In other games, Ididers beat the Ikelauans, 82-65; Ngerchelong Blue Sharks beat Idid 4x4 Wheelers, 90-89; and Melngoes defeated Ngiwal 79ers, 98-78.

Games resume tonight with Ididers versus Ikelauans at 6 p.m. followed by the Ngaraard Red Torch-Meyuns Red Storm match at 7:30 p.m. while Lawmen PEAC will face Matakui in the night cap at 9 p.m.

Teams are reminded to use their uniform in every game. The jersey/t-shirts should match with the shorts and their numbers. Teams will be charged $25 for failure to comply and will be defaulted.

Teams this season, teams are divided into two pools. Pool A will have Papago Smooth, Ngarchelong Blue Shark, Ngaraard Red Torch, Hanpa Cardinals, Surangel Kings, Meyuns Red Storm, Melngoes, Ranchers, Ididers and Ngermid Rivals. Pool B will be composed of MEDA Boys, Matakui, Idid 4x4 Wheelers, Ikelauans, Stingers, Lawmen PEAC, Raw Surf, Breakers, Airwaves and PCC Mesekiu.

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