"It was a fun time," said Gemilie Ilao. "Our team has had a lot of international experience, so we bring that home and share it with players here."

Ilao was part of the team StarFish that captured the championship in the women's division by defeating the Islanders 14-10 in the final match. Destiny Castro and Alina Bonto teamed with Ilao for the victory in a tournament that further prepares them for the big stage.

"We have been selected to play in the upcoming 3x3 World Championship," said Ilao, "It is a great honor to be representing Guam against the rest of the world."

In the men's bracket, Pwi Pwi won the championship in dramatic fashion as they defeated the Pars in sudden death of the "if" game.

Pwi Pwi made their way through the bracket unscathed until they matched up against the Pars in the championship round. In the first game, the Pars jumped out to a 16-5 lead thanks to the long-range shooting of John Ilao, who is Gemilie Ilao's brother. Pwi Pwi fought back, however, and managed to pull the game closer at 17-12 before they eventually lost 21-18.

In the championship deciding game under a double-elimination format, the Pars jumped out in front once again. Pwi Pwi bounced back again as well and used deep 2-point baskets from William Belger and David Sakazaki to tie the game before the end of regulation.

After the clock expired, the teams entered a sudden-death showdown where the first team to gain a two-point advantage would be declared the victor. Pwi Pwi struck first as Sakazaki converted a layup to give Pwi Pwi a one-point advantage. After both teams launched a barrage of deep jumpers, Belger iced the game with a clutch buzzer-beating basket as the shot clock expired.

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By: Julian North