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By Regina Shiroma

Malesso Club’s Dominic Sablan slices through three defenders before making the reverse layup over Typhoons’ Julian North. (photo by Errol Alegre Jr.)

The Tamuning Typhoons remain undefeated in the 25-and-under division after they routed Malesso Club 61-50 Sunday evening at the Tamuning gym in the 2012 Summer Jam Basketball Tournament. Behind Joe Blas’ 17 points and Edgardo Baza’s 15, the Typhoons were able to keep a lengthy lead throughout the game.

“If they don’t play defense, I put them on the bench. If they’re not motivated and they can’t see or run the plays, put ’em on the bench because that’s the only way they’ll see where I’m sitting. And then what they’ll do is see what I see and they’ll go back out and execute,” said head coach of the Typhoons, Elsa Ulloa.

Despite being down 31-15 at the end of the first period, Malesso opened up the second half on a 13-2 run, with threes coming from Brennan Quinata, Baaron Quinata, and Jermain Perez. Malesso continued to put points on the board, outscoring the Typhoons in the second half. Though Malesso kept up the pressure, the Typhoons remained unfazed and poised, utilizing their fast breaks down the court to outrun their fatigued opponents.

The Typhoons began to pull away with the lead, following a 10-0 run with just six minutes remaining in the first half. Baza continued to further his team’s lead, dropping a three and picking up a foul at the two-minute mark. Baza struck again, executing a solo layup in the final seconds of the first half.

“I’ve been playing with these boys for the last two years and they had a lot to learn. It’s not easy coaching these talented boys.  I had to earn their respect, and it’s all about the defense. It’s always about defense,” said Ulloa.

The Typhoons stay atop the standings with a perfect 4-0 record, while Malesso stands at 1-3.

“These guys work hard. They work really hard.”

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