Amateur Basketball League runner up Ngermid Rivals hopes to make another run for a finals appearance as they went on to beat a tough Ngaraard Red Torch, 114-97 in overtime Tuesday night in the ongoing play offs of the 2014 IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

It was an intense match for both teams as lead changes came apparent through out the course of the match. The game ended in the fourth quarter with Medermel Yaoch of Ngaraard Red Torch scoring a shot that send the game tied at 91-all and push for an extension period.

In overtime, the Rivals send a strong message that they are the team to watch going into the finals as they outscored the Red Torch with a 23-6 output and going out of the gym with a win in their smiles.

Rivals’ “Big Three” of King Ngiraboi, Marvic Ngchar and Elway Ngiraboi came to the rescue as they led their team. Ngchar finished the game with 33 points while Elway Ngiraboi and King Ngiraboi chipped in 18 and 14 points.

On the other hand, the Red Torch could not sustain their momentum despite spreading the scoring chores with Medermel Yaoch talling 23 with teammates Liff Eberdong, Elwang Ridep and Lester Mendoza finishing the game with 20, 16 and 14, in that order.

In other games, Peched Raw push themselves out of a hole as they managed to fend off Medalaii Meda Boyz, 71-59 with Douglas Schmidt Jr, leading the way with 16 points while Shonty Ubedei topscored for Meda Boyz with 15 on the losing end.

Games will resume tonight with Peched Raw taking on Medalaii Meda Boyz at 7:30 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)