By Karim Juan, Commissioner San Ignacio
The National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) hosted three games over the past weekend along with the All-Star Night on Saturday. Three weeks remain in the NEBL regular season after which only four teams will advance to the playoffs.
Hurricanes jumps to 3rd seed; Belmopan playoff hopes seriously compromised
On Thursday night, Belmopan Bandits hosted Mirage/Smart Belize Hurricanes at the UB Gymnasium in Belmopan. The visiting squad jumped out to an early 24 – 18 lead at the end of the first quarter which they were able to extend to 46 – 33 going into the half. However, by mid fourth quarter, the score was 72–70 with Belmopan Bandits benefiting from a huge momentum swing. However, Hurricanes were able to make some keys plays down the stretch to secure the 85–76 victory, which propelled them back to the #3 seed in the standings. This was a much needed win for Hurricanes in order to remain in the playoff hunt while Bandits’ playoff hopes now remains on life support. Glency Lopez was the top scorer in the game with 22 points to go with seven assists and six rebounds while Devil Daly finished with 18 points. Brian White tallied 12 points and six boards and Akeem Watters knotted 11 points and 6 caroms. In a losing effort Jevonte Hughes registered 19 points and five rebounds, while Kevon Laurie tallied his first career double-double with 13 points and12 rebounds. Brandon Flowers netted 13 points with 6 rebounds and Daniel Nolberto scored 11 points to go with five rebounds and five assists.
Verdes grips #1 seed tighter as Griga loses two straight
The big showdown between the top two teams took place in the Sacred Heart College Auditorium on Friday night as Griga Dream Ballers travelled out west to take on Verdes in an attempt to the take back the coveted #1 seed and home court advantage going into the playoffs. Both teams came out in great offensive rhythm where Verdes was able to go into the half with a 42–40 lead. With 30 seconds remaining, Griga Dream Ballers was trailing by a point when they forced a steal and missed a crucial transition opportunity that would have given them the lead down the stretch. As a result, Verdes was able to pull off the 94 – 89 victory in front of their packed auditorium, as they exacted revenge on the only team that has defeated them so far in the regular season. Verdes was led by Richard Troyer, who had the game high of 34 points to go with six rebounds as he shot 69% from the field, while Kris Frazier tallied a double-double with 33 points and 13 rebounds. Tyrone Hall and Leroy Louriano chipped in six points apiece while Itza tallied 8 points and 12 boards. Griga Dream Ballers was led by Edgar Mitchell, who tallied 20 points, five rebounds and five assists while Daniel Conorque netted 18 points to go with six dimes and five caroms. Delvon Henderson finished with 16 points and 9 rebounds and Ray Cruz and Frank Williams netted 11 and 10 points respectively.
San Pedro Tiger Sharks edges out Belize City Defenders
San Pedro Tiger Sharks travelled to the city to take on Belize City Defenders at the Civic Centre on Friday night in a very crucial game as both teams shared a 4 – 4 record and are tied for the 4th seed going into the playoffs. The home squad was able to nurse a 16 – 14 lead at the end of the first quarter, after which the score was tied at 39 at the half. At the end of the third quarter, the visiting team had a 60 – 57 lead which they were able to hold on to in order to grab the 79 – 76 win. Martevious Adams had the game high with 27 points and 13 rebounds while Francis Arana netted 15 points to go with five rebounds and five dimes. Gene Myett tallied 10 points and six rebounds in the win while Kurt Burgess grabbed 12 rebounds. Belize City Defenders was led by Nigel Jones, who finished with a double-double, scoring 23 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Mykiel Jones tallied 13 points and four dishes while Darwin Leslie and Farron Louriano netted 10 points apiece.
All Star Night was another huge success
On Saturday night, Belize City Defenders hosted the fifth annual NEBL All-Star Night and it again proved to be another successful event. The two finalist in the three-point shootout contest both hailed from the Verdes squad and both Richard Troyer and Tyrone Hall scored 10 shots in the final round to send it to a tie-breaker. In the tie-breaker round Tyrone Hall came out as the three-point champion. Nigel Jones from Belize City Defenders was the slam dunk champion this year as he did a 360 dunk through his leg and a reverse dunk off the side of the backboards to seal the victory over Isaiah Thomas in the finals. In the night cap, the foreign all star team was able to make it three consecutive victories as they defeated the local all star team 90 – 85 behind monster dunks, three-point shooting and alley hoops. Kris Frazier was the top scorer for the foreigners, tallying 22 points and six rebounds while Tyrone Hall finished with 20 points. Glency Lopez had the game high with 25 points, while Edgar Mitchell, Farron Louriano and Jamal Kelly chipped in 15, 13 and 12 points respectively.
Below are the standings where teams are ranked based on the points they have accumulated so far. The variation in standings is due to the fact that all teams have not played the same number of games.
Friday Night at 9 p.m.: Belize City Defenders vs. Griga Dream Ballers at Belize Civic Centre in Belize City.
Friday Night at 9 p.m.:Â Â Orange Walk Running Rebels vs. Verdes at the Orange Walk Multi- Purpose Complex.
Saturday Night at 8:30 p.m.:Â Griga Dream Ballers vs. Smart/Mirage Belize Hurricanes at the Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium in Dangriga Town.
Saturday Night at 9:00 p.m.:Â San Pedro Tiger Sharks vs. Belmopan Bandits at the San Pedro High School in San Pedro Town.
