BULLDOGS DOWN GECKOS

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By Niko Bulaon

GW Dyonii Quitugua finds an opening in the lane for the easy bucket. (photo by Joey Blas)

A week after miraculously coming back to defeat JFK, the Okkodo Bulldogs survived a GW Geckos’ scare to stay one of the two undefeated teams in the IIAAG Girls Basketball League. The Bulldogs came back from a scoring drought to take the win, 64-48, Tuesday night at the Okkodo gymnasium.

“Our team motivated each other and we just played our hearts out,” said Bulldogs Ke’ann Castro about her team’s halftime comeback. “Teamwork and defense were the keys; we just pushed it to the point where we can get the lead and keep it.”

With the Geckos up by two to start the third quarter, 28-26, Bulldogs’ Felicia Borja sunk a three-pointer in the first minute. But behind top-scorer Dyonii Quitugua, the Geckos stayed ahead of their opponents until another three-pointer from Borja put her team back in the lead. Gecko fouls put Borja on the free-throw line, putting Okkodo up by six, 42-36.

With only one minute left in the quarter, two consecutive fouls from Borja put her on the bench with four personal fouls, giving the Geckos an advantage going into the last quarter.

Castro and teammate Chyna Ramirez stepped up to combine 10 points in the first three minutes of the fourth quarter, bringing their team’s lead to 11, 52-41. Quitugua tried to cut Okkodo’s lead, but another three from Borja and various turnovers and fouls by the frustrated Geckos stopped any chance for a GW comeback.

“Just got to move your feet,” commented Borja on her fourth quarter performance despite carrying four fouls on her shoulder. “I have to stop reaching in, stop playing sloppy, and just play a smart game.”

Okkodo Felicia Borja makes the difficult basket and was fouled, went to the free throw to complete the three point play. (photo by Joey Blas)

The Geckos looked to win their first game at tipoff, taking a quick lead, 11-3, after back-to-back layups from Quitugua and Zea Nauta. But Borja and Xaver Jesser soon connected on consecutive plays, slowly cutting GW’s lead. As the clock winded down, multiple fouls sent Borja to the line, taking the lead from the Geckos before the buzzer sounded, 19-15.

GW played to take their lead back from their opponents, but second chance shots by Okkodo kept them ahead until a two-pointer from Destini Fejeran and Geana Leon Guerrero put her team back on top to end the second quarter on a good note.

Being the lone undefeated team in the Taga Division isn’t an easy task, but Borja and Castro feel that their team will, “play well as long as we play our hearts out and start strong.”

Borja led all scorers with 33 points, four rebounds, and four steals. Despite the loss Quitugua led her team with 21 points.

 Other Scores

Academy 54, Harvest 17 – Alina Bonto 22 points

JFK 51, Guam High 20

Southern 77, St. Paul 44

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

GW Anna Aguon drives the ball down court and passes the ball to an open player for the assist. (photo by Joey Blas)

GW Kayana Leon Guerrero drives pass an Okkodo defender for the easy bucket. (photo by Joey Blas)

GW Geana Leon Guerrero looks down court to set up the play. (photo by Joey Blas)

Okkodo Chyna Rameriz goes up and makes the basket putting them up by 8 points. (photo by Joey Blas)

Player of the Game: Felicia Borja

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