Amateur Basketball League runner up Ngermid Rivals nailed their second victory at the expense of Matakui, 112-89 Friday night in the ongoing elimination round for the 2014 IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) played at the Palau National gym.

After trailing 50-51 in the first half, the Rivals has a scoring spree in the third quarter of action as they spurted a 31-19 run to take back the lead with an 81-70 advantage. From there, the Rivals outscored Matakui to score the win.

King Ngiraboi led the scoring clutches for the Rivals with 33 points while Elway Ngiraboi chipped in 17 markers as teammates Marvic Ngchar and Ray Rumong had identical 17 baskets, respectively.

On the other hand, Al Obrero took over the scoring chores for Matakui as he finished the game with 30 points while Bow Umedip and Yangi had 14 and 13, in that order.

In other games, Ngaraard Red Torch won over WCC Hammers, 83-82.

League officials said that they are still finalizing the schedule of the games and once everything is final then they will release the new schedule for the league.

Also officials have announced the sponsors of the participating squads. For Surangel Kings and Peched Raw (sponsor is Surangel and Sons Company); WCC Hammers (sponsor is WCC Construction Company and Billy Takamine); Ngaraard Red Torch (sponsor is Del. Gibson Kanai); Medalaii Meda Boyz, Ngerchemai Ranchers and Ngermid Rivals (sponsor is Koror State Government c/o Koror State Youth Council).

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)