by Dave Delgado

Guam - The Academy Cougars and St. Paul Warriors battled it out for a chance to go to the title game. The game started off slow with both teams coming up with big defensive stops. Academy found themselves down early after getting out rebounded.

Cougars MVP Brianna Benito had to work hard to pick up her first score of the game. St. Paul used their speed to get the up court and take it inside for scores despite Academy's defense holding down the paint. Momentum would start shifting in Academy's favor late in the game after the team settled down and started taking it to the basket themselves.

St. Paul trailed by 4 in the 3rd but could never take back the lead as Academy continued to be successful on the offensive side of the ball. In the end the Cougars walked away with the win 64-46. Kat Burrier had a huge game for Academy putting up 24 points, Brianna Benito chipped in with 17 points and 18 rebounds.

Jamie Cruz scored 19 while teammate Momoko Ennis added 12 in their teams losing effort. Facing the Cougars will be the Notre Dame Royals after they took care of business against the Simon Sanchez Sharks 66-47. Joni Tedpahogo led the way with 26 points.

The championship game between the 2 teams will be played this Friday at 7pm at the FD Phoenix Center in Mangilao.