Emily Duenas Scores 23 as Okkodo Pulls Away From JFK to Move to 3-0

Okkodo moved to 3-0 on Saturday night, pulling away late to beat JFK 61-50 at Okkodo High School behind 23 points from Emily Duenas.

The matchup of 2-0 teams lived up to the billing. The two sides traded baskets for most of the first half, and poise and patience were the key for both teams as each one turned defense into offense, converting off turnovers. Savy Papa scored 5 in the first quarter as JFK took a 13-11 lead, and the Islanders still led 23-22 at halftime. Taurehn Arjona kept Okkodo close with 8 points in the first half.

Duenas took over after the break. She scored 8 in the third quarter, Kate Rosario hit a 3-pointer and Okkodo took a 39-36 lead into the fourth. Elizabeth Carlos scored 6 in the quarter to keep JFK right there.

The Bulldogs saved their best for last with 22 points in the fourth. Duenas added 8 more, Tianna Rain Reyes scored 6 and Rosario hit another 3-pointer.

Arjona left the game with an ankle injury in the fourth quarter after driving the lane and dishing an assist to a teammate in the key. She finished with 11 points. We wish her a quick recovery.

Jaelani Quidachay added 9 for Okkodo. Carlos and Papa led JFK with 11 each, Emma Navarro and Amanda Lizama scored 9 apiece, and Maddison Flores hit two 3-pointers.

Up next: Both teams play Tuesday at 7 PM. Okkodo visits Harvest, and JFK hosts Sanchez.