Team Medalaii Meda Boyz are keeping their playoffs hopes alive as they beat Matakui, 72-54 Wednesday night in Game One of their best of three playoff series in the ongoing 2014 IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Meda Boyz logged behind in the opening frame as they trailed 18-19 but managed to bounce back in the second as they outscored Matakui with a 16-10 run to close the first half with a 34-29 lead.

Then Meda Boyz switched on their offense as they spurted a 16-9 run in the third to widen the gap at 50-35. From there, it was a smooth sail for Meda Boyz as they went on to win the game with Jose Meltel leading the way with 20 points while teammates Daniel Hansa and RB Dorado chipped in 16 and 14, respectively.

On the other hand, Matakui did not go down without a fight as they tried their best to comeback to the game with only seven players in the bench. Brooks Tkel topscored for Matakui with 21 while Sabino Kyota added 17 on the losing end.

In other playoff games, Peched Raw won over the Ranchers, 20-0; and Surangel King beat WCC Hammers, 78-75.

Games resume tonight with Ngerchemai Ranchers versus Peched Raw at 7 p.m. while Matakui will face anew Medalaii Meda Boyz in the main game at 8:30 p.m.

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