Team Mercury Optimax kept their composure till the end as they managed to score an upset against defending champion Peched Raw, 107-100 Wednesday night in the ongoing 2012 season of the IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Mercury Optimax gained control of the opening quarter as they took a 28-25 lead, but the defending champs won’t go down without a fight as Peched Raw orchestrated a 32-26 blast in the second to gain the upper hand at the end of the half, 57-54.

Mercury Optimax managed to regroup in the final canto as they outscored Peched Raw via 28-20 that handed them the win with Reid Una Rikrik leading the way with 29 as Arnold Undecimo added 20 as they now sport a 7-8 win-loss record.

It was the first loss for Peched Raw this season as Douglas Schmidt paced them with 32 markers as teammates Weston and Dennis Castro chipped in 24 and 21 baskets as they now carry a 15-1 tally in the team standings.

However, Peched Raw is contesting the match as one of the players of Mercury Optimax allegedly was not in full uniform. The matter will be discussed with the league officials.

In other matches, Nationals 17 and Under won over Mercury Optimax via default; Melengoes defeated Meda, 71-62; Spoilers downed Meda, 86-80; 4x4 Wheelers bested Islanders, 82-68; Peched Raw foiled Kabong, 92-75; and 4x4 Wheelers outpaced Mercury Optimax, 77-72.

Games will resume tonight with Meda versus Kabong at 6 p.m. followed by the Islanders-Surangel Kings tussle at 7:30 p.m. as Peched Raw will meet 4x4 Wheelers in the main game at 9 p.m.

Monday night games will have Islanders against Surangel Kings at 7:30 p.m. while Mercury Optimax will face Kabong in the main game at 9 p.m.

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)