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By Regina Shiroma
The game of the underdogs played out to be a treat for fans present and those watching live on our website. The matchup between the Okkodo Bulldogs and the St. John’s Knights ended with the Bulldogs storming away with the first place trophy and right to call themselves champions. After four full quarters of play, the Bulldogs defeated the Knights 52-46 Saturday night at the University of Guam Field House.
In the final quarter, the Bulldogs took a slim one-point lead thanks to Joel Oryardo’s offensive rebound followed by a jump shot with the clock reading six minutes left. Another two points from Oryardo had them leading 45-42. Reed Meyer tossed in a layup soon after, and closed the gap to just one. The Bulldogs answered back with two more baskets and were going on their third, but were stopped short though they had the 2-on-1 advantage over Knights’ Cedric Sevilla. Trying to stop the clock, the Knights fouled Keeno Madrazo and Oyardo. A few free throws later, the final whistle was blown and a sigh of relief and cheering relected the Bulldogs’ team.
“’Think about the goal, and not do anything out of character. Be smart and take it home,’” said Bulldogs’ head coach Ed Manalac of what he told his team in the final seconds of the game. “These guys have been playing basketball for so long; they’re smart enough to realize what they need to do to finish off the game. We had situations during the season where we didn’t end the game where we wanted to and they learned from that. So those two/three losses during the regular season kind of was a blessing in disguise. ”
It was a battle of the defenses as both teams had very similar defense styles and it showed in their stats. The Bulldogs worked their defense throughout the night, specifically shutting down the Knight’s offense in the paint. Their tight defense kept the Knight’s offense at bay, capping off their top scorers at ten points.
“Move your feet; be smart about it; don’t gamble; try not to always go for the steal. Stay safe, just keep moving your feet,” recalled Okkodo’s Aaron Blaz of his coach’s words about their defense as Blaz played a big role that side of the ball.
Despite their defeat, the Knights still proved to be a worthy opponent as the lead switched often throughout the game. Led by Sevilla on defense, the Knights also displayed their defensive tenacity collectively grabbing eight steals.
Both teams played effective defenses managing to force Bulldogs’ Oyardo and Knights’ Flores, two efficient point guards, into an uncommon six turnovers.
Bulldog’s Joseph Ruppen led all scorers with 16 points. “It feels great to be a champion!” said Ruppen.
Bulldogs shot 49% from the field versus the Knights’ 39%.
Sevilla, Flores, and Meyer each had ten points. Sevilla also tallied three steals.
Notes: “Shout out to my sister, I’m so happy she’s here, and to my mom and my other sister back home, this is for them.” –Aaron Blaz; “To my family, my friends, my team, my coaches, and everyone that came to support me. Thank you!” –Joseph Ruppen. “Shout out to my family, my wife; she’s been very patient all season!” –Coach Manalac
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GPS Sports Calendar
March 2024
- SU
- MO
- TU
- WE
- TH
- FR
- SA
Events for February
1st
ISA SOFTBALL
IIAAG MS GIRLS SOCCER FINALS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL QUARTERFINALS
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
Events for March
2nd
HS RUGBY
ISA GIRLS SOFTBALL
ISA BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
Events for March
2nd
Events for March
4th
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS
ISA SOFTBALL ALL-ISLAND COACHES MEETING
Events for March
5th
HS RUGBY PLAYOFFS
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL SEMIFINALS
Events for March
8th
IIAAG BOYS BASKETBALL FINALS
ISA HIGH SCHOOL TENNIS PLAYOFFS
Events for March
9th
ISA SOFTBALL FINALS
HS RUGBY FINALS
Events for March
9th
Events for March
14th
- 17
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- 20
- 21
- 22
- 23
Events for March
16th
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17th
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18th
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19th
Events for March
20th
Events for March
22nd
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24th
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25th
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27th
Events for March
28th
Events for March
29th
- 31
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- 6
Events for March
30th
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
Soccer
ISLANDERS OUTSHOOT DOLPHINS
Uncategorized
4TH QUARTER SPORTS SET FOR TAKE OFF
COMING SOON …
4th Quarter Sports
- Guam Marathon