Team Ngaraard Red Torch lived to fight another day as they bested Ngremid Rivals, 97-95 Thursday night to keep their hopes alive in the playoff series in the ongoing 2014 IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

The Red Torch meant business despite logging behind in the opening frame via 16-19. Then they outscored the Rivals in the second set with a 34-28 run to secure the first half with a 50-47 lead in the first half of play.

From there, the Red Torch hanged on as they were able to escape a possible elimination with Lester Mendoza leading the way with 32 points while Ray Rumong topscored for the Rivals with 18 as teammates King Ngiraboi and Marvic Ngchar finished the game with identical 14 baskets, respectively.

In other games, Peched Raw won over Ngerchemai Ranchers, 72-36 with the game being halted at the end of the third quarter. Officials said that the Ranchers gave up in the third canto giving the game to the defending champs.

Perry Oiterong clipped 22 points for Peched Raw while Cosby Kelmal had 20 for the Ranchers on the losing end.

Games resume tonight with Peched Raw versus Medalaii Meda Boyz at 7 p.m. while Ngaraard Red Torch will face anew Ngermid Rivals 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 or Mike at 488-4491. By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)