Basketball

BULLDOGS HAND SHARKS FIRST LOSS

Okkodo pounces on Sanchez in big ISA game

by
GSPN
February 3, 2024

By Carmen Gogue

The Okkodo Bulldogs made a statement win beating the Sanchez Sharks 70-58 in the ISA Boys Basketball League Friday night at the John F. Kennedy gym.

The Bulldogs, Sharks and GW Geckos are in a three-way tie for first place at 3-1.

The Bulldogs dominated the Sharks at all ends from hitting three pointers around the arc, forcing turnovers, and executing instrumental steals in handing the Sharks their first loss of the season (3-1).

Robby Haggard led the Bulldogs with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and three steals. Monte Cabrera also added 14 points, five assists, and two steals.

“Our goal is to get another championship, that’s it.”
Okkodo leader Robby Haggard

Bulldogs Shutdown Sharks Early Lead

Okkodo gained first possession at the start of the match, though both teams struggled to score for four straight minutes until Haggard’s first point of the night from a free throw gave the Bulldog’s a short lead.

Sanchez’s Bless Aisek’s three pointer and Atni Kasuta’s made layup gave the Sharks a small 5-0 run lead, but that was enough fuel for the Bulldogs to stop a larger deficit.

A three pointer from Lebron Nimeisa and back to back layups from Haggard closed out the first quarter 10-7 starting Okkodo’s lead streak.

A massive second quarter funded by exemplary team effort from the Bulldogs closed out the first half 32-21, giving Okkodo an 11 point lead.

Sharks Attempt Comeback

The Sharks home crowd fired up as they attempted to close the 11 point lead going on a 7-0 run in the third quarter with points from multiple players to cut the score 47-41.

The final quarter driven by the Bulldogs defense alongside Ethan Solidum’s two three pointers and a fastbreak layup from a steal, sank the chances of a Shark comeback.

“What really motivated us to win was our defense, the whole way, was to just play defense,” said Haggard.

Junior Varsity

The Sharks defeated the Bulldogs 51-50 in the Junior Varsity matchup. Kyle George led the Sharks with 13 points and Koah Bombon added 12 points to beat the Bulldogs.

OTHER GAMES

The JFK Islanders took down the Southern Dolphins 66-55 in Hagat as Jordan Madrazo had 26 points (6-of-7 from 3), while the GW Geckos blew out the Tiyan Titans 66-43.