Team Stingers and Kabong secured their initial victories after beating respective rivals in the 2012 season of the IP&E Amateur Basketball League (ABL) at the Palau National gym.

After the score was deadlock in the first quarter at 15-all, the Stingers rallied all the way to beat the Ranchers, 81-69. Douglas Schmidt led the scoring clutches for the Stingers with 31 points while teammate Wallace Rikrik added 16. Osamu Ngirmidol topscored for the Ranchers with 22 as they started their campaign with a setback.

On the other hand, team Kabong had five of its players finishing in double figures to beat the Airwaves in overtime, 82-81. The fourth quarter ended with the score tied at 73-all then Kabong outscored the Airwaves with a 9-8 output to escape with the win.

Among the Kabong players who finished in double digits were Dedoch with 19, Jason with 18, Basil with 15, Wise with 12 and Reka with 10 while Mekeruul top billed for the Airwaves with 17 on the losing end.

In other games, B.O.G. won over On Fire, 67-43; 4x4 Wheelers defeated Surangel Kings, 71-70; PCC Mesekiu outscored Ididers, 66-53; Cardinals whipped PPR Shark Attack, 109-84; Aqua Smooth beat Rivals, 89-76; Mesang Red Storm blew Ikelauans, 75-61; and Spoilers won over the Breakers, 20-0.

Games resume tonight with Ngerkesoal versus Nationals at 6 p.m. followed by the Dngeronger-Mesang Red Storm tussle at 7:30 p.m. while Ididers will meet Breakers at 9 p.m.

Three games will be played every night from Mondays to Fridays and the tournament is a tobacco, alcohol and drug free program. All violators will be banned from participating.

For more information call Topps at 488-4491.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)