Showing that they are of championship caliber, team Negrmid Rivals displayed their firepower as they pass through Medalaii Meda Boyz, 97-86 in Game One of their best of three semifinal series, Wednesday night in the ongoing IP&E Amateur Basketball League (ABL) at the Palau National gym.

The Rivals struck first blood as they meant business establishing a 25-17 lead in the opening quarter and kept toe-to-toe with Meda Boyz in the second as they closed the first half of play with a 48-40 advantage.

Despite being outran in the third canto via 22-24 output, the Rivals kept their distance as they fend off the Meda Boyz with a 70-64 lead. From there, the Rivals stood their ground as they went on to take the win and take a 1-0 lead in their series.

King Ngiraboi closed down another fantastic game as he normed 29 points while Elway Ngiraboi chipped in 26. The Meda Boyz did put up a good fight but was not enough to fuel any comeback as they live to fight another day. RB Dorado topscored for Meda Boyz with 24 as teammate Spyce Koshiba added 12 on the losing end.

The Rivals barged their way into the Final Four after beating Matakui, 109-67 while Meda Boyz took a seat in the semis after disposing of the Breakers, 71-65.

On the other hand, other Final Four entries saw Surangel Kings and Ngaraard Red Torch. The Kings beat the Ranchers, 87-70 while Red Torch fend off Hanpa Cardinals, 106-101 in the Elite 8.

Winners of the Final Four will battle for the best of three championship crown while the losers will gun for third place honors.

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.

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)