Matakui beats Ranchers in IP&E NBL

Undersized, but determined. This was the battle cry of Matakui as they managed to escape with a 75-74 win over a much taller Ngerchemai Ranchers, Wednesday night in the ongoing elimination round of the 2014 IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) played at the Palau National gym.

Trailing 71-72 in the final minutes of the fourth quarter, Matakui’s Roydan Renguul gave them a breather as he converted on his free throws to give them a 73-72 lead with second remaining in the game.

Then, Edward Baysa came to the rescue of the Ranchers as he in turn converted his free throws to give them a 74-73 lead. Then in their next possession, Matakui went to Renguul again who drilled the winning shot that gave them the win.

Renguul finished the game with 16 points backing up the performances of Al Obrero and Derrick Faustino who topscored for Matakui with 22 and 18 baskets, respectively.

On the other hand, Delbit Ngiralulk led the scoring chores for the Ranchers with 20 while Baysa chipped in 19 on the losing end.

In other games, Surangel Kings won over the Breakers, 111-70; Ngermid Rivals beat Peched Raw, 96-92; and Medalaii Meda Boyz defeated WCC Hammers, 83-67.

Games resume tonight with Ngaraard Red Torch versus Ngerchemai Ranchers at 7 p.m. while Matakui will face Peched Raw in the main game at 8:30 p.m.

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)




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