GSPN PRE-SEASON BOYS TOURNEY DAY 2

By Robert Balajadia

Day 1 of the GSPN Pre-Season Boys Basketball Tournament featured an overtime thriller and Day 2 featured more drama in last-second fashion. Four more teams got their pre-season started with two exciting games with a championship rematch to headline the first game Friday night.

What’s Day 3 got in store? How about a full block of games all Saturday long starting at 9 am with the last game set to tip-off at 7 pm. Admission will be $5.00 for adults and $3.00 for students, but the admission will cover all of Saturdays action so you’re free to leave and comeback at will!

Okkodo 49, FD 47

With just 4.5 seconds left on the clock, Bulldogs’ Aiden Ferrara launched a full-court pass to a streaking Karl Melencio, who managed to corral the one-handed heave despite an FD Friar hanging all over him, and quickly converted on the layup under the basket to sink the Frairs in both teams first game of the tourney.

In case you missed out, check out @guamsportsnetwork on Instagram to see the last 4.5 seconds unfold!

The Friars were without four key seniors due to a weekend retreat and are not expecting to have them back until Sunday. Despite the seniors missing, FD held a 45-35 lead with four minutes left in the game before the Bulldogs rally.

Okkodo Bulldogs Aiden Ferrara gets a clean swat on FD Friars David Sakazaki. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Melencio officially gave the Bulldogs the lead with a staggering three-pointer to cap off an 11-0 run with under a minute left in the game. FD managed to tie the game at 47 before Melencio hit the dagger.

Both teams struggled to get out of the gates as both teams only combined for six points in the first six minutes of action. Friars Jujuan King nailed a three pointer from the left wing at the 1st quarter buzzer to give FD a 10-6 lead, but the Bulldogs managed to go into halftime leading 22-18 off nifty passing from Vern Gustilo.

The Bulldogs controlled the 3rd quarter going up 27-20 before the Friars found their offense led by Justin Santos’ 14 points. Melencio had a team high 14 points, but none more important than his game winning layup. Ferrara, who made the heads full-court pass, finished with 11 points for the Bulldogs.

Harvest 58, St. John’s 29

The well-rounded Harvest Eagles made quick work of a young Knights team by soaring to a double-digit lead in the first quarter which they managed to maintain throughout.

U19 Men’s Team participant Kobe Sotello scored 14 points and teammate Eeland Willter had a game high 15 to lead the Eagles. Knight’s Freshman Michael Min scored 11 points in his high school game debut.

Day 2 Pool Standings

Pool A: The North Waters

JFK 1-0
GW 0-0
Sanchez 0-1

Pool B: The Coast-To-Coast Sun

Okkodo 1-0
ND 0-0
FD 0-1

Pool C: The Central Breeze

St. Paul 1-0
Harvest 1-0
Tiyan 0-0
St. John’s 0-1
Guam High 0-1

PHOTO GALLERY:

Bulldogs Aiden Ferrara attempts a floater in the lane. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Bulldogs’ Vern Gustilo dribbles his way through traffic in the first half. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Friars Jujuan King dials up a long distance three in the 1st quarter. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

Friars Reynold Rokop drives through two defenders for a tough shot. (photo by Robert Balajadia)

FD Friars Reynold Rokop attempts a layup over Bulldogs Karl Melencio. (photo by Robert Balajadia)