Team Nationals final gets in the scoring board as they defeated the National Basketball League (NBL) selection, 96-95 Thursday night in the ongoing 2013 National Basketball League (NBL) Super League at the Palau National gym.

Despite taking a 26-20 lead in the opening canto, the Nationals found themselves in a ditch as they were outgunned in the second as they trailed at the end of the first half via 42-51.

The Nationals continued to struggle in the third as the fell 70-75. But they were able to breathe new life in the final stretch of the game as they managed to outscore the NBL Selection with a 26-20 to escape with the win.

Arnold Undecimo and Edward Baysa topscored for the Nationals with identical 26 points, respectively as teammate Marvic Ngchar added 24.

On the other hand, Gino Smau led the scoring fray for the NBL Selection with 20 as Mike Williams and Elway Ngiraboi chipped in identical 17, in that order.

Games will resume tonight with the NBL Selection versus Peched Raw at 6 p.m. as the final game for the elimination round. Wednesday and Thursday night will have the semifinals games at 6 p.m.

Winners of the semifinals will advance to the championship slated on September 10 at 6 p.m. while the losers will face off for the consolation on September 9 also at 6 p.m.

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)