Guam Nationals Squeeze By KFC Bombers In Double Overtime 120-117
In a great battle, the Guam Nationals defeated the KFC Bombers 120–117 in a classic game. The Guam Nationals led for most of the four quarters; however, the Bombers came roaring back in the fourth period to tie the game and send it into overtime.
The first quarter was a close battle, as both teams were feeling out each other’s
style of play. The Nationals took a 29–24 lead after the first 10 minutes. They kept
their scoring momentum going in the second quarter, scoring another 29 points while
holding the Bombers to 17. The Guam Nationals led by 17 points at halftime, 58–41.
In the third period, both teams played evenly, with the Bombers edging the quarter
by one point, 27–26. The game became a “chippy” affair, with both teams getting in
each other’s faces and talking tough. The referees called several technical fouls
due to the players’ actions. The Nationals held a comfortable 84–68 lead going into
the fourth period.
That was when AJ Grape took control of the game in the final 10 minutes. The former
Guam Nationals player, now playing for the KFC Bombers, had an outstanding fourth
quarter, scoring 13 points to rally the Bombers and push KFC ahead in the final seconds,
100–98.
Joe Blas of the Guam Nationals then drove to the basket, was fouled, and went to the
line with 0.3 seconds remaining and the Nationals down 100–98. Blas’s first free throw
hit the front rim, bounced off the backboard, and dropped in to cut the Bombers’ lead
to 100–99. He then made the second free throw to force overtime.
Both teams fought evenly through the first overtime and moved into a second. The Bombers
missed crucial free throws late in the second OT, while the Nationals pulled ahead
by five points. KFC couldn’t connect on a three-pointer to tie the game, and the Nationals
escaped with a three-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 now 7–0 in the Triton League and will be the No. 1 seed for
the playoffs starting December 2. They will face the No. 8 seed UOG Tritons in their
first playoff game. The KFC Bombers are now 6–1 and will be the No. 2 seed. Their
opponent will be determined after the final Triton Men's Basketball League regular
season games on Monday, November 17.
Games on Monday are:
Monday, November 17
6:30 pm - Team Select U17 Vs. Team Kaya
8:15 pm - Northern Construction Vs. MicroFriends
All games are played in the UOG Calvo Field House. All games are streamed live on
the UOG Athletic Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/UOGTritonAthletics