Chariots win first

By HENRY MORABANG
THE winless Chariots registered their first two points of the season after edging out Saints 65-63 in a nailbiting PNG Men’s Basketball League gone over the weekend.
Backed by a crowd of vocal basketball faithfuls, the encounter was the most entertaining fixture that day.
Chariots coach Chris Worri could not ask for more, stating the victory was a long time coming.
“The game was evenly contested but we had the upper hand in ensuring every basket counted,” Worri said.
“The guy who scored the winning basket, Elwyn Sailosi, stood out for the team.”
Sailosi the underrated came out blazing to top score with 18 points, followed by Baldwin Paiwa (16) while Ivano Ivano scored 14 points.
Saints coach Larry Miro said his side failed to score vital baskets to keep them in the game.
He congratulated Chariots for their first win for the season, and hoped this victory would boost their campaign in the remaining games.
The Saints had Donald Kala and Sibona Kala top scoring with 17 points apiece while Tony Haro picked up a mere six points.
In the other match, second-placed Emperado came from behind to snatch a last minute 97-95 win over an equally-determined Tamaraws outfit.
Emperados’ Garry Holmes and Elavo showed coach Eddie Salazar that they could play basketball and deliver results.
Salazar had to rush Holmes and Elavo to the starting five of Floyd Dedictoria, Chuck Dalanon, Daniel Kone which set the foundation for victory.
Salazar said he was proud of the way his team played and overcame the opponents.
“I’m proud of these guys for finding a way to win. We’ve come up on the short end of the stick for these close games,” Salazar said.
With 40 seconds left when both teams were tied 61-61, Slazar said he did not know what to do but the men gave their best to come up with the win.
The Tamaraws are expected to come better prepared when they take on Saints next week.
In the opening match, Flames maintained their top spot on the PMBL ladder with an 80-50 win over West Jokers.
The points ladder as of last Sunday: Flames 14, Emperador 12, Saints 6, Tamaraws 6, West Jokers 5, Chariots 6.