Teams Ididers and Ngarchelong Blue Shark barged their way into the winning column after scoring victories over separate foes, Thursday night in the ongoing elimination round of the IP&E Amateur Basketball League at the Palau National gym.

The Ididers stayed steady throughout the match as they were able to beat a tough Melekeon Salty Boys, 67-62. The Ididers came out smoking as they outscored Melekeok Salty Boys in the opening quarter with a 14-8 run and then close the first half with a 33-28 lead.

Sensing urgency, Ididers then went back to their defensive formation as they kept Melekeok Salty Boys at bay in the third canto with a 20-12 run to stretch their lead at 53-40. From there the Ididers held on as they went on to win the game with Wade finishing the game with 21 markers while Kumangai Maech topscored for Melekeok Salty Boys with 20 on the losing end.

On the other hand, Ngarchelong Blue Shark scored a come from behind victory over Dngeronger Bullets, 77-72. Parley Kinto and Cosby Kelmel led the scoring chores for the Blue Sharks with 28 and 19, respectively while Bisa Demei and Oilouch topscored for the Bullets with 20 and 16, in that order.

In other games, Meda drubbed Melwert, 91-32.

No games will be played on December 24 and 25 to give way for all teams to celebrate Christmas with their families and friends. Games will resume on December 26 featuring Melwert versus the Bullets at 6 p.m. followed by the Mercury Optimax-Meda game at 7:30 p.m. while WCC Hammers will face Matakui in the main game at 9 p.m.

December 27 games will have Stingers versus the Cardinals at 6 p.m. as PCC Mesekiu will test the Nationals 17 and Under squad at 7:30 p.m. and Melngoes will take on Rivals 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)