Teams Ranchers and Surangel Kings scored separate victories, Monday night in the ongoing IP&E Amateur Basketball League (ABL) at the Palau National gym.

The Ranchers stood their ground as they went on to beat Papago Smooth, 104-86. The Ranchers established a 26-14 lead in the opening salvo and then went on to extend their advantage at the close of the first half with a 51-31.

From there, the Ranchers showed composure as they nailed the win with Mike Williams leading the pack with 36 points as teammates Jarvis Kintaro, Shannon Aguon and Samu Ngirchechol chipped in 24, 17 and 16 markers respectively.

Oj Brell topscored for Papago Smooth as he finished the game with 36 baskets on the losing end.

On the other hand, Surangel Kings showed balanced attack as they downed Ngaraard Red Torch, 82-68. After taking a 19-17 lead in the first, the Kings outscored the Red Torch in the second with a 20-14 run to take a 39-31 lead going to the second half of play.

From there, the Kings displayed consistency as they rolled out with the win. Ronald Magcalas normed 17 baskets for the Kings as teammates Reid Una Rikrik, Armando Canseco and Adam McQuistan added 14, 13 and 12, in that order.

Anthony Rudimch and Traxx Remeliik led the scoring fray for the Red Torch with identical 14 markers while Douglas Schmidt Jr., Liff Eberdong and Mekeruul Ueki contributed 13, 12 and 10 on a losing cause.

In other games, Neco Marine Stingers won over Idid 4x4 Wheelers, 87-85.

Games resume tonight with Ikelauans versus Meda Boys at 6 p.m. while Idid 4x4 Wheelers will face Ngiwal 79ers at 7:30 p.m.

Monday night matches will feature Lawmen PEAC against Matakui at 6 p.m. followed by the Ranchers-Blue Shark tussle at 7:30 p.m. while Breakers will face Idid 4x4 Wheelers in the main game at 9 p.m.

Teams are reminded to use their uniform in every game. The jersey/t-shirts should match with the shorts and their numbers. Teams will be charged $25 for failure to comply and will be defaulted.

Teams this season, teams are divided into two pools. Pool A will have Papago Smooth, Ngarchelong Blue Shark, Ngaraard Red Torch, Hanpa Cardinals, Surangel Kings, Meyuns Red Storm, Melngoes, Ranchers, Ididers and Ngermid Rivals. Pool B will be composed of MEDA Boys, Matakui, Idid 4x4 Wheelers, Ikelauans, Stingers, Lawmen PEAC, Raw Surf, Breakers, Airwaves and PCC Mesekiu.

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