Griga back to winning ways, sends Defenders in a deeper hole

Daniel Conorque

On Friday night Belize City Defenders hosted Griga Dream Ballers at the Civic Center in Belize City in a much anticipated game that carried huge playoff implications. Griga Dream Ballers are riding a nasty 2 game losing streak while Defenders are at the #5 seed, looking in. The road team jumped out to an early 27 - 22 lead at the end of the first quarter, extending that lead to 8 points at the half, 48 - 40. The lead ballooned to 10 points by the end of the third quarter, but the home squad, behind their load fans and sharp shooting were able to tie the game with a huge three pointer with less than 30 seconds remaining on the clock. However, the excitement was short lived as Daniel Conorque (193-G-91, college: Pima CC) demonstrated both strength and confidence, hitting the game-winning shot on the opposite end of the floor to give Griga Dream Ballers the 83 - 81 victory and a spot in the playoffs. Griga was led by Jamal Kelly (G-90) who had the game high with 27 points, while Daniel Conorque tallied 17 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists. Delvon Henderson notched another double-double with 13 points and 12 rebounds and late season addition, Ray Cruz (196-F), netted 13 points. Defending MVP, Nigel Jones (201-C-90, college: Talladega) was the top scorer for Belize City Defenders with 21 points, while Mykiel Tzul tallied 19 points, 4 assists and 4 steals to go with 5 three point shots made and Gregory Rudon (181-SG-84) chipped in 11 points.