Northern Mariana Islands lose Micronesian Games opener

CNMI - Pohnpei 67:71
Northern Mariana Islands got to a slow start of the 7th Micronesian Games in Palau. They lost the opener to Pohnpei. Northern Mariana Islands got to a slow start. They were down by 7 points 11:18 at the first break. But the strong second quarter helped them take a 34:29 advantage at the interval. Pohnpei stressed the game inside the paint and it paid off. They went on an 8:2 run to surge ahead. Pohnpei maintained the lead throughout the third term. The fourth quarter brought little relief for Northern Mariana Islands. They were down by 11 points but showed character. CNMI almost denied the deficit before falling just short of victory at the end.
William Hawley unloaded 19 points to pace Pohnpei. Yaingelvo produced 14 points, while Roby finished with 12 for the winners. Jericho Cruz answered with 26 points for Northern Mariana Islands. Danandro Barcinas provided 15 points in the loss.

CNMI: Jericho Cruz 26, Danandro Barcinas 15
Pohnpei: William Hawley 19, Yaingelvo 14, Roby 12