MIDDLE SCHOOL MARCH MADNESS HEATS UP

GBC March Madness Middle School Basketball Tourney Day 5 results:

By John Baza

Game 1: Untalan Wildcats 33, San Vicente Braves 18

In the first game of the night, it was the Wildcats who were able to use a hot start to cease control of the first half against the Braves (18-11).  Just as the Braves looked to gain momentum and utilize their size, it was the Wildcats’ guards who use their speed to pick off passes and convert in transition, outscoring their opponents 12-3 in the final quarter to eliminate the Braves and advance in the losers bracket.  The Wildcats’ Nico Bonita lead all scorers with 12 points, while the Braves’ Raymond Castro and Jayden Taitano paced their team with 5 points apiece.

*The Wildcats play tomorrow against the FBLG Hawks at 6:30 PM

(photo by Richard Camacho IV)

Game 2: BMS Road Runners A 26, Jose Rios Voyagers 17

In the only winners bracket game of the night, it was a rematch of their final game of the regular season, however this time around it was the Road Runners who were able to squeeze out the win against the well-rounded Voyagers. Holding the lead for most of the first half, it was the Voyagers who used their speed and sharp shooting to capture the 11-6 lead to end the first quarter. But the Road Runners held their opponents scoreless in the second quarter to hold onto the 15-11 lead at the half, never looking back and cruising to the win. With the win, the BMS Road Runners now advance to the championship game. The Road Runners’ Noah Elbo lead a balanced team effort with 9 points, followed by teammate Delgado with 8 points. The Voyagers’ Tommy Auputiw put in points in the loss, followed by Darien Taimanglo who had 5 points.

(photo by Richard Camacho IV)

*Will play in championship game Saturday at 11 AM, opponent to be determined

Game 3: BMS Road Runners B 28, St. Anthony Raiders 22

In the final and closest game of the night, the Road Runners B were able to outscore their opponents in the third quarter to gain a slim (18-13) advantage heading into the final quarter of play.  With 3 minutes to play, the Raiders’ Isaiah Pelkey brought his team within 4 points after a lay in (20-16) but the Road Runners’ Matua Borja and Kevin Cabral cut momentum with clutch baskets to hold on for the win. Kobe Santos and Cabral led BMS with 11 and 8 points respectively. C. Murphy scored 9 points to lead the Raiders.

*The Road Runners B are scheduled to play this Thursday at 5:30 PM against the winner of UMS vs. FBLG

All games are at the Astumbo Gym