King Ngiraboi showed his scoring prowess as he tallied 54 points enough to fuel the Ngermid Rivals past Blue Shark, 105-75 Wednesday night in the ongoing IP&E Amateur Basketball League playoff round at the Palau National gym.

Ngiraboi was instrumental in the Rivals first half of play as he drilled in 28 markers, but was not yet finish as he led the Rivals in the second half rally as the Blue Shark defense could not contain him.

Ngiraboi scored 26 baskets of his total 54 in the second half as he led the Rivals to sweep their play off round series with a 2-0 count. Ngiraboi’s performance was backed by teammate Ody Yalap who chipped in 19 markers.

On the other hand, Tutii Benjamin topscored for the Blue Shark with 22 as teammate Parley Kinto added 18 but was enough to get them back into the game.

With the win, the Rivals take a short rest as they prepare for their next assignment going into the quarterfinal round.

In other games, Meda beats PCC Mesekiu, 88-74; Ksau Imaging Solutions won over Mesang Red Storm, 97-93; WCC Hammers route Stingers, 87-79; Melekeok Salty Boys defeated Cardinals, 75-58; Ranchers outscored Mercury Optimax, 72-67; Airwaves downed Aimeliik Rainers, 74-54; PCC Mesekiu outgunned Meda, 62-56; Mercury Optimax downed Melwert, 73-70; Melekeok Salty Boys routed Matakui, 55-47; Aimeliik Rainers beat Bullets, 65-61; Breakers dumped Papago Smooth, 78-69; Nationals 17 and Under won over Ididers, 85-34; and Ksau Imaging Solutions outran Mesang Red Storm, 88-78.

Games will resume tonight with Airwaves versus Aimeliik Rainers at 6 p.m. while Melekeok Salty Boys will face the Cardinals in the main game at 7:30 p.m.

Winners of the playoff round will advance to the quarterfinals and move closer to the semifinal round.

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