NATIONAL TEAM EDGES BOMBERS IN 2OT

PRESS RELEASE – In a great battle, the Guam Nationals defeated the KFC Bombers 120-117 in a classic game. The Guam Nationals went out in front, leading the game for most of the four quarters, but the Bombers came roaring back in the 4th period to tie the game put it into overtime.

The first quarter was a close battle, as both teams were feeling out each other games but the Nationals took a 29-24 lead after the first 10 minutes. But the Nationals kept their scoring momentum going in the 2nd quarter, with the Nationals scoring 29 points again and the Bombers being held to 17 points for the period and the Guam Nationals by 17 points led 58-41 at halftime.

In the third period, the teams were even, with the Bombers winning the quarter by 1 point, 27-26. The game became a “Chippy” affair, with both teams getting into the others faces and talking tough. The referees called several technical fouls because of player’s action. The Nationals held a comfortable lead 84-68 going into the fourth period.

But that was when AJ Grape took over the game in the final 10 minutes, the former Guam National player now playing for the KFC Bombers had a great 4th period, he scored 13 points by himself to rally the Bombers and pushed KFC to the lead in the final seconds of the game, 100-98.

But then Joe Blas for Guam Nationals drove to the basketball and was fouled and went to the line with 0.3 seconds on the clock and the Nationals down 100-98. Blas first foul shot hit the front rim and bounced off the backboard and then went in to cut the Bomber led to 100-99. He then made the 2nd free throw to force overtime.

Both teams fought an even first overtime and went to a 2nd overtime. The Bombers missed some crucial foul shots in the 2nd OT and the Nationals got ahead by 5 points and KFC couldn’t hit a three pointer to tie the game and Nationals escaped with a 3 point win.

The Guam Nationals were led by Joe Blas with 36 points and Mark Johnson with 30. AJ Grape led the Bombers with 23 points while Darryn Daniels added 21. The Guam Nationals are 7-0 for the Triton League and will be the #1 Seed for the playoffs starting December 2. They will face the #8 Seed UOG Tritons in their first playoff game.

The Bombers are now 6-1 and will be the #2 Seed. Their opponent will be determined after Monday’s final Triton Men’s Basketball League regular season games.

Games on Monday are:
Monday, November 17
6:30pm – Team Select U17 Vs. Team Kaya
8:15pm – Northern Construction Vs. MicroFriends