Defending champion Peched Raw and team Kabong continued their winning ways after besting separate foes, Wednesday night in the ongoing 2012 season of the IP&E National Basketball League (NBL) at the Palau National gym.

Peched Raw kept its clean slated and remains as the unbeaten team after nailing their ninth win at the expense of a highly-financed FR Spoilers, 85-75. Securing a 28-20 lead at the end of the opening quarter, Peched Raw dominated the second as they outscored the Spoilers with a 24-12 output to close the half with a 52-32 advantage.

From there, Peched Raw broke away and went on to claim their ninth win to remain on top of the team standings with a 9-0 win-loss record. King Ngiraboi finished the game with 21 points as teammate C-Boy Adelbai added 18.

FR Spoilers made their last stand in the third canto as they spurted a 25-17 run to get with in striking distance at 69-57. But it was not enough as their main gunner were off night. Leonilo Gonzales paced the Spoilers with 28 markers as teammate Raul Osias chipped in 18 as they closed their first round campaign with a 7-3 mark.

On the other hand, team Kabong scored its fourth win as they defeated the Islanders, 76-70. Robinson Richard and Rico Tamlethal did much of the damage as they finished the game with 21 and 20 baskets, respectively.

With the win, Kabong ties the Islanders with identical 4-6 cards, respectively.

In other games, Aqua Smooth won over Islanders, 64-60; Spoilers defeated Nationals 17 and Under, 92-90; Aqua Smooth halts 4x4 Wheelers, 81-73; and Nationals 17 and Under bested Surangel Kings, 85-66.

Games for the second round will start on May 14.

The tournament, which is supervised by the Palau Basketball Federation (PBF), is a tobacco, alcohol and drug free program. Any violators will be banned from participating. For more information call Topps at 488-4491.  By Peter Erick L. Magbanua (Island Times News)