Defending champion FR Spoilers and team Jaguars open their campaign with separate victories, Sunday at the start of the 2014 season of the Filipino Basketball League (FBL) at the Palau National gym.

FR Spoilers scored their first win as they debut against the Hanpa Cardinals, 85-76. After taking a 28-16 lead in the first canto, the Spoilers would then lead at 39-33 at the close of the first half.

In the third canto, the Spoilers would take a 24-22 run to stretch their lead at 63-55 and never turned back to score the win. Michael Bombita led the Spoilers with 28 as Phillip Maniago topscored for the Cardinals with 17 on the losing end.

On the other hand, the Jaguars nailed their first win as they drubbed newcomer PECI Spartans, 73-54.

Ace gunner Gener Aguinaldo led the Jaguars with 17 as Cantomayor and Casiano topscored for the Spartans with identical 10 markers on the losing end.

During the opening ceremony, Honorary Consul Eric Whipps gave an inspirational message while members of the committee were also introduced. Manny Kimpo will seat as the chairman for the league with Grace Baconga, Boyet Arevalo and Lucio Bandibas as vice chairpersons.

Other officials for the league are as follows: Jenny Yumang and Ligaya Sara (secretaries); Maria Paula Ngoriakl and Nelia De Lina (treasurers); members include Arsie Sumampong, Conrad Almanzar, Boie Castaneda, Joseph Verano, Let Tayag, Louie Molina, Max Asido, Rey Fortus and Zeny Tan.

Intermission numbers were from Dreamers Dancers, Belau School of Hip-Hop and the PMA Youth. Joana Rose Tipones of Aloha Maid Choppers was named as the Best Muse while Surangel Stars took the Best in Uniform title.

A total of 12 teams will see action for this season namely defending champion FR Spoilers, runner up Western Union, Surangel Stars, Royal Cargo Rangers, Hanpa Cardinals, Aloha Maid Choppers, Jaguars, Ilocandia Bulls, Rams, Spartans, PNQ Crushers and Liquid Sky Dragons.

Sponsors for this yea’s season are Aqua Pure Water, ATT Karaoke and Bar, Blue Bay Petroleum, CTSI Palau, Hanpa Industrial Development Corporation, HBO, Kumangai Bakery, Midtown Gas Station, Mingles Tototo, MJ Trading, Palasia Hotel, Palau Pacific Resort, Palau Trading, Pinoy Express Remittance, Shimbros International, Surangel and Sons, The Taj Palau and Western Caroline Trading Company (WCTC).

The Filipino Basketball League (FBL) is under the supervision of the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF).  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)