POSTED BY: Eurobasket News
Andrew Borja
CNMI - Guam 64:101
Guam National Team celebrated the first win at the Oceania championship in Saipan. They held off the hosts today to climb at 1-1 record. Northern Mariana Islands remained winless at 0-2 record.
Guam fired from all guns in the starting period accounting for 25 points. They claimed a 10-point advantage despite committing 14 turnovers in the first ten minutes. The hosts braced up in the second frame and slowed their opponents down. Guam still kept Northern Mariana Islands at bay building a 46:33 advantage at halftime.
Guam raised the tempo after the major break opening a 20+ advantage. They fired 28 points in the third quarter to clear off for good in this one. Both teams were plagued by turnovers combining for impossible 89 of those. But Guam dominated the boards and deservedly rolled to the victory at the end.
Joseph Blas (183-G/F) fired 23 points and collected 11 boards to pace Guam. Andrew Borja added 18 points, while Jine Han finished with 15 points, 11 boards, 6 steals and 6 assists for the winners. Pete Iguel responded with 21 points for CNMI. Jericho Cruz tallied 19 points in defeat.
CNMI: Pete Iguel 21, Jericho Cruz 19
Guam: Joseph Blas 23+11 boards, Andrew Borja 18, Jine Han 15+11 boards
