ISLANDERS GET CLUTCH WIN OVER TITANS

By Jay Leon Guerrero

The JFK Islanders used good defense and a couple of big shots down the stretch to defeat the Tiyan Titans 36-25 in the IIAAG Girls Basketball league regular season game played at the GW Gym. With the playoffs approaching, the Islanders (7-5) secured at least a third place finish in their division with their victory.

If the Islanders win all their remaining games, they can finish as high as second place in their division to clinch home court advantage in the opening rounds of the postseason.

The Islander victory was not an easy one Tuesday night against the Titans. The Titans were aggressive on offense and started the game with a 5-0 lead to open up the contest. Kiarra Rojas got the Titans up early using her height to score in the paint to take the early lead.

The Islanders slowly chipped away at the Titan lead and took their first lead of the game with a transition bucket from guard Cianna Reyes. Islander point guard Anita Onedera forced a steal and quickly passed the ball to a cutting Reyes to take the 9-7 advantage.

The Titans countered by going to the post with Rojas making a contested jump shot to tie the game at 9-9 in the first quarter.

The Islanders finally found their groove and started hitting their mid-range shots in the second quarter. Kayla Camacho, Reyes and Sheena Vista each hit shots in the second quarter to put the Islanders up 17-12 at the break.

The Islanders went on a 4-0 run in the third quarter to pull ahead by double digits. Camacho and Onedera converted from offensive rebounds to push the lead to 10 points going into the final period.

The Titans made one last comeback push in the final two minutes of play with Y’lisiah-Rae Jorda making two free throws and Jaeda James making a lay-in to cut the lead to 30-23.

Torrente secures the victory

The Islanders countered with Sydney Torrente stepping up big off the bench hitting a clutch three-pointer and making a lay-up with under a minute to play to secure the victory for the Islanders.

Wendy’s Players of the Game, Cianna Reyes and Anita Onedera of the Lady Islanders. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Torrente scored seven points in the game, but her five points in the final minute of regulation ended the Titans’ comeback. Reyes also had 7 points and 8 rebounds; Camacho had 7 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists for the Islanders who meet the mighty Academy Cougars Wednesday night at JFK.

Camacho was pleased with her team’s performance on the defense which limited the Titans to just 26 points for the contest.

“We did really good on defense as a team,” said Camacho who had 4 steals. Camacho garnered 3 of her 4 steals after Titans players got defensive rebounds. “We really don’t work on plays specifically for that, we just take what’s out there”.

The Islanders constant pressure forced the Titans to 25 turnovers for the game.

The Islanders will be heavy underdogs Wednesday night but have a game plan to try and upset the Cougars.

“We are just going to our best and try to contain their star players the best we can,” said Reyes. “For the rest of the season, we are looking to improve our team chemistry which is something we are lacking”.

The Islanders’ Regine Tugade was limited in playing time with foul trouble but managed to grab 10 rebounds. Onedera had a complete game with 6 points, 5 assists and 5 steals.

Rojas had game a game high 9 points and 12 rebounds for the Titans before fouling out. Tash Borja scored 7 points; Jorda had 4 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists for the Titans who fall to 2-9 for the season.

In the JV game, the Islanders improved to 9-5 for the season defeating the Titans 68-29. EddyAnn Sablan hit four triples for 16 points to lead the Islanders, Rianah Munoz scored 8 points for the Titans.

PHOTO GALLERY BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

Y’lisiah-Rae Jorda makes a fast break past Aubrey Mafnas to the hoop. (photo by Daniel Paran)

J’adore Perez approaches the basket and scores a quick shot for the Lady Titans. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Tash Borja patiently waits for an opening to take before making a move. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Both teams reach out in an attempt to grab possession of the rebound. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Regine Tugade struggles to get a shot up as the Titans put the pressure on. (photo by Daniel Paran)

Sheena Vista shoots for three outside of the Titans’ reach. (photo by Daniel Paran)