Team Airwaves and PCC Mesekiu showed poise as they went on to beat respective rivals Friday night in the ongoing IP&E Amateur Basketball League at the Palau National gym.

The Airwaves never minded the strength of typhoon Bopha as they swept the Ranchers, 71-68. The Airwaves showed consistency in their offensive set up as they romped away with the win behind Dembei Watanabe who led the scoring chores with 23 points as teammates Gino Smau and Sabino Kyota chipped in 15 and 14, respectively.

The Ranchers did not sink without a fight as Ferris Baulechong finished the game with 17 markers while teammate Jarvis added 15, but was not enough to fuel a comeback as they suffered another lost this season.

On the other hand, PCC Mesekiu scooped up a win at the expense of the Cardinals, 94-65. Christopher Filimew led the PCC Mesekiu attack with 15 as teammate Dougwin Franz added 14 while Raymund Tan topscored for the Cardinals with 17 on the losing end.

In other games, PCC Mesekiu beat Melngoes, 81-61; WCC Hammers drubbed Melwert, 132-58; and Mercury Optimax won over Papago Smooth, 98-58.

Organizers said that if power is restored at the gym, games will resume tonight with Mesang Red Strom versus Breakers at 6 p.m. followed by the Rivals-Airwaves tussle at 7:30 p.m. as WCC Hammers take on Melekeok Salty Boys at 9 p.m.

Thursday night matches will feature Meda against Bullets at 6 p.m. as Aimeliik Rainers will face Papago Smooth at 7:30 p.m. while Blue Sharks will test Ksau Imaging Solutions in the night cap at 9 p.m.

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)