Defending champion Peched Raw and 4x4 Wheelers secured a spot in the Final Four after besting separate foes, Wednesday night in the ongoing 2012 season of the IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) played at the Palau National gym.

Peched Raw needed an extra period to beat a hard young fighting Nationals 17 and Under squad, 86-83 in over time. The game was close from the opening tip off as they locked at 15-all and then went on to close the first half with the score still tied at 35-all.

Things seemed to go with Peched Raw as they took a 51-47 lead going into the final quarter. But the Nationals did not back down as they battled them shot per shot that saw the score tied once again at 71-all.

In over time, Peched Raw showed their experience as they halted the Nationals with a 15-12 output to secure the win. Weston led the scoring chores for Peched Raw with 25 while teammate King Ngiraboi added 18. Marvic Ngchar topscored for the Nationals with 26 while teammate RB Dorado chipped in 13 on the losing side.

On the other hand, Sunshine Soalablai finished with 13 markers enough to fuel 4x4 Wheelers past Meda, 76-66 to also secure a spot in the Final Four which will begin on July 2.

With the win, 4x4 Wheelers renew their rivalry with FR Spoilers, who beat Mercury Optimax, 102-82, in a best of three series. Game One is set at 7:30 p.m. following Game One of the other semis series between Peched Raw against Peleliu Islanders at 6 p.m.

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