Peched Raw made an impossible feat as they went on retain their title as champions after beating Ngermid Rivals, 93-87 in Game Five of the 2014 IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Peched Raw trailed in the opening quarter via 18-20 but managed to fend off the Ngermid Rivals offense in the second as they spurted a 22-14 run to gain the lead and close the first half of play with a 40-34 lead.

But the Rivals would not easily give up without a fight as they managed to tie the game at 61-all with their 27-21 run in the third canto.

On the other hand, Peched Raw would showcase their experience as they sizzled for a 32-26 output in the fourth that would seal their fate, win the game and score a back-to-back title.

Dennis Castro led the scoring chores for Peched Raw with 31 points as teammate Douglas Schmidt Jr. chipped in 21. King Ngiraboi and Marvic Ngchar topscored for Ngermid Rivals with identical 24 markers, respectively. In the individual awards, Marvic Ngchar was named as Season MVP while Traxx Mark Remeliik was adjudged as Finals MVP with Hiros of Ngermid Rivals as best coach.

Trophies and special awards were given to the winners immediately after Game Five. 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 Mikey at 488-4491. By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)