The Filipino Canadian Basketball League of Yukon (FCBLY) took a brief hiatus from games because of the recent spike in COVID-19. This weekend, the league was back on the hardwood with two games on the schedule.

The FCBLY is continuing its 13th season after the COVID-19 pandemic shuttered all activities in March. New rules were put in place to ensure player safety, the most notable is the ball-change after every dead-ball for one that has been sanitized.

As well, the small gathering of fans were masked, hand sanitizer was available upon entry to the gym, and people were adhering to the Safe Six - plus one (wear a mask).

Air North topples MPM

The first game on the docket was the second game of the best-of-three series between U15 teams Air North and MPM Saturday at Jack Hulland Elementary School. Air North needed to win to keep their championship aspirations alive, while MPM was looking to grab the title.

In the first meeting, fans saw an entertaining contest. The two sides were evenly matched and both showed solid play on both sides of the ball. When the final buzzer sounded, MPM came out on top 44-40.

Despite the opening loss, Air North rebounded nicely and soared to a 50-37 win.

From the opening tip, Air North was flying. They hit a couple of deep jumpers which forced the MPM defenders to close-out on the shooters. Air North smoothly let the defenders pass as they drove to the lane to get easy buckets at the rim.

On defence, Air North played a stifling man-to-man set. They shielded the paint nicely and forced MPM into difficult shots. They also deflected, or stole, many passes and got out in transition for more easy hoops.

MPM did have their scoring opportunities. They worked the ball around the perimeter and got some wide-open threes but not enough were falling for them. Their shots at the rim were not falling either and they could not secure the offensive rebounds to reset their attack.

Miguel Portea led Air North, and all scores, with 14 points. Carlos Magsucang chipped in 11 and Britony Pagoba had eight.

Pier Deleon scored 13 for MPM. Quinn Monahan added eight.

The two teams will meet again this Sunday at the Canadian Games Centre in the winner-take-all finale.

Subaru drives past North 60

The 35 Above best-of-three series began Sunday at the Canada Games Centre. Vying for the title is Whitehorse Kia Subaru and North 60.

It was a close contest in the first matchup but Subaru was able to outlast their North 60 counterparts to take game one 71-65.

Subaru was led by Bon Bon Pocescion, who topped all scorers with 23 points.

The car-crew had three other double-digit point-getters. Dave Stehlin notched 14, Jo Aying, 11, and Joms Pahilanga, 10.

North 60’s leading scorer was John Madrigal who netted 21. Dustin Heffner and Andrew Maynard both chipped in with 15 apiece.

The two teams will square off again Saturday.