Team Mesang Red Storm showed grace under pressure as they managed to escape an 88-84 win against a tough team Breakers, Friday night in the ongoing IP&E Amateur Basketball League at the Palau National gym.

Trailing 46-42 after the first half, Mesang Red Storm closed the gap as they outscored the Breakers with a 25-20 run in the third canto to take a precarious 67-66 lead. But Mesang Red Storm was not yet finish as they again outran the Breakers in the fourth with a 21-18 output to score the win.

Franky Kuchad led the scoring chores for Mesang Red Storm with 25 points while teammate Tats and Willer Franz chipped in 20 and 18, respectively. Meanwhile, Moses Bismark finished the game with 23 baskets for the Breakers as Basil Gibbons added 12 on the losing end.

In other games, Rivals won over Airwaves, 78-71; Papago Smooth defeated Aimeliik Rainers, 77-51; WCC Hammers outscored Melekeok Salty Boys, 108-61; Meda downed Bullets, 75-55; Ksau Imaging Solutions routed Melwert, 105-83; Ranchers upset Stingers, 68-57; Melngoes won by default against Cardinals; Matakui outclassed Mercury Optimax, 75-64; Meda beat Ididers, 76-60; and Blue Shark won by default against Ksau Imaging Solutions.

Coaches, team mangers and team representatives are requested to attend a meeting today at 11:30 a.m. at the Palau National gym to discuss the team rankings and schedule for the playoff round.

The tournament is a tobacco, alcohol and drug free program and all violators will be banned from participating. For more information call Topps Sungino at 488-4491.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)