Meyuns Dolphins jumped out to a handy lead in the first quarter through some great half court trapping defence.  Coach Jesse Sumor had the Dolphins also playing some excellent half court offence once his players negated the Kings half court trapping defence.

Kings coach, Ziske Asanuma, played his stars in RB Dorado and Marvic Ngchar, along with his big inside player, R’raem Termeteet for much of the first 3 quarters, with RB and Marvis finally sub coming to cramps in the final quarter.  

Kings finally hit the lead right on 3 quarter time with a great 3 pointer from Marvic.  Not to be outdone Dolphins started well in the 4th with great contributions from Russell Kintoki and Jim Ouretamor.  The smallest guy on the court, Justin Jackson, also contributed with several great fast breaks to give the Dolphins some breathing space.

With just 5 minutes to play the Kings were back to a 1 point lead and then, at 1.58 to go, the lead was tied at 68 all.  With 35 seconds remaining, Kings led by 2 points and in the final seconds Dolphins just could not buy a basket and Kings won 74-70.

As in all games there has to be a winner, but the non partisan spectators would have suggested that both teams deserved to “win”.  Both coaches did an outstanding job in the preparation of their teams over the past several months and during the competition. 

There is no doubt that the future of basketball in Palau is looking good with these young players to come through the NDP.  Several of these young players should be selected into the upcoming Youth Men’s Development Squad.