Team Kabong and Cardinals barged their way into the Sweet 16 after beating respective rivals in the ongoing playoffs of the 2012 season of the IP&E Amateur Basketball League (ABL) at the Palau National gym.

Kabong secured a spot in the Sweet 16 round after beating On Fire, 95-70. After taking a 31-12 lead, Kabong never looked back as they went all the way to win the game with Jason Sied leading the way with 23 points while teammate Stephen Tiano added 22.

Cosby Kelmal and Jeffrey Tkel finished the game with identical 12 markers, respectively but were not enough to lead On Fire to the next round.

On the other hand, the Cardinals managed to subdue a tough Palau Pacific Resort (PPR) Shark Attack, 73-71 in overtime. With the win the Cardinals take a spot in the Sweet 16 round.

In other games, Ngerkesoaol won over Ididers, 64-56; Cardinals defeated On Fire, 45-41; Ikelauans drubbed Dngeronger Bullets, 101-55; and B.O.G. bested Ranchers, 58-54.

Games resume tonight with the Nationals versus Ngerkesoaol at 6 p.m. while Mesang Red Storm will meet Kabong at 9 p.m. Wednesday matches will have Spoilers against Ikelauans at 6 p.m. followed by the Aqua Smooth-B.O.G. tussle at 7:30 p.m. while 4x4 Wheelers will face the Cardinals in the main game at 9 p.m.

Winners of the Sweet 16 round will advance to the Elite 8 group and will play a knockout game to determine the Final Four. In the Final Four, teams will play a best of three series with the winners going into the championship round while the losers will play for third place honors.

The tournament is a tobacco, alcohol and drug free program. All violators will be banned from participating. For more information call Topps at 488-4491.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)