Team Kabong showed composure as they went to beat 4x4 Wheelers, 80-71 Friday night in the ongoing 2012 season of the IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Kabong established a 21-13 lead in the first quarter and led all the way to score the win. Basil Gibbons led the scoring fray for Kabong with 27 points while Gino Smau and Temol topscored for 4x4 Wheelers with identical 21 points.

In other games, Aqua Smooth won over Meda, 68-56; Spoilers drubbed Surangel Kings, 136-67; and Islanders bested National 17 and Under, 77-67

Games resume tonight with Mercury Optimax versus Nationals 17 and Under at 6 p.m. followed by the Aqua Smooth-Spoilers tussle at 7:30 p.m. while Melengoes will face Meda in the main game at 9 p.m.

Tomorrow’s games will have Mercury Optimax against Peched Raw at 9 p.m. Thursday night games will have Islanders taking on the Spoilers at 6 p.m. as Aqua Smooth will meet Surangel Kings at 7:30 p.m. while Meda will battle 4x4 Wheelers at 9 p.m.

On the other hand, Ngebard escaped with a 46-45 victory over Dims in the 2012 Girl’s 17 and under basketball league. Sarabeth Ksano led the charge for Ngebard with 19 baskets while Lucy Aguon topscored for Dims with 21 markers on the losing cause.

The tournament, which is supervised by the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF), is a tobacco, alcohol and drug free program. Any violators will be banned from participating. For more information call Topps at 488-4491.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)