By Karim Juan, NEBL Commissioner
Sunday, March 1, 2020. This coming weekend will be the mid-way point of this year’s NEBL season. At the half way mark fans will be able to better decipher the quality of the teams as everyone will be fixing their eyes on one of the four playoff spots. The deadline for teams to add players to their roster will be Tuesday, March 3 after which final rosters cannot be changed. Team stats, player stats, upcoming schedule and standings can be found on our webpage at neblbelize.com
Tiger Sharks extends Bandits woes to 5 games
Belmopan Bandits hosted the defending champs, San Pedro Tiger Sharks on Friday night at the Hilltop Basketball court in Belmopan City. Tiger Sharks was without the services of big man, Martevious Adams who was nursing a sore ankle, while Bandits tried to capitalize on this opportunity at home. Belmopan Bandits jumped out to an early 15 – 2 but San Pedro was able to cut the deficit to 2 points, 45 – 43, going into the half. In the third quarter San Pedro grabbed the lead which they maintained to the final whistle, winning 86 – 69. Tiger Sharks was led by Antone Robinson Jr. who had the game high with 23 points to go with 11 boards while Jihad Wright sank 19 points and grabbed 13 boards and Francis Arana finished with 14 points, 7 dimes and 4 caroms. In a losing effort, Khalil Jabbie was the high man for the Bandits with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists while Brandon Flowers scored 14 points to go with 6 rebounds and Richard Smith II registered another double-double with 12 points and 16 rebounds. With the win San Pedro Tiger Sharks remain 1 game back of the Defenders for the #1 seed in the standings.
Verdes exploits the short-handed PG Panthers
Verdes hosted Punta Gorda Panthers on Saturday night at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio Town, as the visiting squad entered the game without their point guard, D’Von Campbell, who had been released. The first quarter started slow for both teams on the offensive end, but the home squad picked up the tempo in the second to grab a 38 – 22 lead going into intermission. Verdes never relinquished that comfortable lead, as they registered a 85 – 48 win at home. Verdes was led by Tyrone Hall who had the game high with 25 points which included 6 shots from behind the arc, while Devin Thomas had his best offensive output in the season with 17 points and 8 rebounds. Kris Frazier finished with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Punta Gorda Panthers only double-digit scorer was Jevonte Hughes who tallied 15 points, 14 rebounds and 3 assists, while Elsworth Itza finished with the game high 16 rebounds to go with 8 points and Julien Travis chipped in 8 points. With the loss, Punta Gorda Panthers is on a 4-game losing streak.
Dream Ballers stuns Hurricanes in Griga
On Saturday night Griga Dream Ballers hosted Benny’s Belize Hurricanes at the Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium in the culture capital. The stadium lit up with new found energy and enthusiasm as Griga had just recently signed guard sensation, D’Von Campbell, who started out the season with Punta Gorda Panthers. Dangriga had an early 27 – 21 lead at the end of the first quarter, which they extended to 11 points at the end of the third quarter. The home team was able to sustain the lead, registering the 80 – 67 victory, while snapping their 4 game losing streak. Griga Dream Ballers was led by Delvon Henderson who had his best game of this season with the game high 22 points to go with 5 rebounds and 5 steals while Edgar Mitchell tallied 14 points and 8 assists. Branden Sheppard tallied a double-double with 14 points and 11 rebounds, while new comer D’Von Campbell finished with 7 points and 9 assists and Macario Augustine had the season high with 20 rebounds. Ashton Edwards was the top scorer for Benny’s Belize Hurricanes with 16 points, including 4 shots from behind the arc while Glency Lopez finished with 13 points and 6 rebounds. Eyan Rene and Shuler Dominic chipped in 12 and 10 points respectively.
Upcoming Games
Friday, March 6 at 9:00 p.m. – Griga Dream Ballers vs. Verdes at Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium
Friday, March 6 at 9:15 p.m. – Benny’s Belize Hurricanes vs. Belmopan Bandits at Belize Civic Centre
Saturday, March 7 at 8:30 p.m. – Punta Gorda Panthers vs. Orange Walk Running Rebels at the Punta Gorda Sports Complex
