The women’s clash between Peleiu and Koror at 7.00pm last night has been described by some as the “game of the tournament” so far.  Getting out to a 10 point lead by mid way through the first quarter, Koror looked to be comfortable but Peleiu methodically worked their way back into the game to be just 6 down at the first break.  It was close all the way with Peleiu going into the final term with a 2 point lead.  During the 4th quarter it was basket for basket, first one team with the lead by 2 and then the other.  The game had everything: quick and successful fast breaks, solid half court offence with good scoring and tough defence by both teams.  Peleliu’s Sesengel Ketebengang was the main difference in the scoring with 21 points, while Koror’s tall Coleen Gibbons will be a major force in Palau basketball in the future as she develops strength and scoring under the basket.   The final score was 71-65.

 

In other games Ngarchelong accounted for Anguar in a closely fought tussle that saw the scores locked on many occasions.  The game high score by Ngarchelong’s Bolton Tengoll with 25 points was the major difference.

 

In the 1.00pm game Koror and Ngchesar had a battle for the first half but the experience of Koror showed out during the second half, running out winners by 87-68.  For Koror Perry Oiterong top scored with 20 and for Ngchesar their main scorer was Ngibtal Termeteet with 12.

 

The game between Sonsorol and Ngchesatr was not a high scoring event but still close throughout.  While Ngchesar gained the upper hand in the 3rd quarter, Sonsorol never, ever give in and came back strongly to give their opposition a fright by the halfway point of the final quarter.  The experience of Ngchesar”s Jubilee Kuartei was the difference and her 16 points helped her team to a win.  For Sonsorol Tekuu Sumor and Joy Kintoki both scored 9.

 

In the remaining men’s game Peleiu and Sonsorol met in what should have been a one sided affair but again Sonsorol do not know the meaning of “give up”.   With Peleiu having a 1 point lead in each of the first 2 quarters, it was evident that they had a fight on their hands.    A big 3rd quarter by Peleiu with 27 to 12 gave them the buffer they needed going into the last.  Here Sonsorol outscored them 18-9 but just not enough time to get them the win.  Final score was 79-71 to Peleiu.  The scoring for Peliu was evenly spread, while for Sonsorol their livewire point guard, Joey Sumor was the game high scorer with 24 points.

 

Today’s games:

 

11.00am               Women               Koror                     vs            Ngchesar

 

1.00pm                 Women               Peleiu                   vs            Ngaremlengui  

 

3.00pm                 Men                      Ngarchelong      vs            Ngaremlengui

 

5.00pm                 Men                      Anguar                 vs            Aimeliik

 

7.00pm                 Men                      Koror                     vs            Melekeok