LNB Round 15 (Regular Season): Sportiva Italiana beat Ancud by one after a very close game

LNB is at the halfway of the Regular Season and there are still another 15 rounds left. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 15 in the LNB took place in Valparaiso. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Ancud (8-9) to fourth ranked Sportiva Italiana (11-4) 87-86 on Thursday evening. It was a good game for Gaspar Hernandez (-1999) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 assists. American point guard Manny Payton (183-1997, college: FSU) contributed with 25 points for the winners. American forward Richard Granberry (203-1993, college: Virginia St.) answered with 29 points and 8 rebounds for Ancud. Sportiva Italiana have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 11-4 record. Ancud at the other side keeps the eighth position with nine games lost. Sportiva Italiana are looking forward to face Puerto Varas (#5) at home in the next round. Ancud will have a break next round.
LNB top team - Los Leones (13-1) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked Puerto Varas (9-7) in Quilpue 89-56. It was a great evening for American forward Jerry Evans (203-1990, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points (went 13 for 13 at the free throw line !!!). Roquez Johnson helped adding 8 points and 12 rebounds. The best for the losing side was the former international guard Marcelo Perez (196-1999, college: Southern Miss) with 15 points and 8 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Los Leones have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 13-1 record. Puerto Varas at the other side keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Los Leones will play against Valdivia (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Puerto Varas will play against Sportiva Italiana (#4) in Valparaiso and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Valdivia between Colo Colo and Las Animas. Seventh ranked Colo Colo (8-7) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Las Animas (4-12). Colo Colo managed to escape with a 2-point win 77-75 on Thursday evening. It was an exceptional evening for Dennis McKinney who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds. Rashad Hassan came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds for Las Animas in the defeat. Colo Colo moved-up to sixth place. Loser Las Animas keep the tenth position with 12 games lost. Colo Colo will meet higher ranked Espanol (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Las Animas will play against Puente Alto (#7) and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 15: Puente Alto was smashed by Univ.Concepcion on the road 104-81. Univ.Catolica won against Valdivia on its own court 75-70. Bottom-ranked Espanol was outscored by Espanol in Osorno 101-68. Univ.Catolica recorded a loss to Ancud at home 70-75.
The most impressive performance of 15th round was 9 points and 9 rebounds by Alejandro Vergara of Ancud.



Sportiva Italiana - Ancud 87-86

The most exciting game of round 15 in the LNB took place in Valparaiso. This derby game ended with only one-point defeat on the road of 8th ranked Ancud (8-9) to fourth ranked Sportiva Italiana (11-4) 87-86 on Thursday evening. It was a good game for Gaspar Hernandez (-1999) who saved his team from a defeat with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 assists. American point guard Manny Payton (183-1997, college: FSU) contributed with 25 points for the winners. Payton is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Richard Granberry (203-1993, college: Virginia St.) answered with 29 points and 8 rebounds and the former international point guard Franco Morales (181-1992) added 14 points, 9 rebounds and 11 assists in the effort for Ancud. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Sportiva Italiana have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain fourth place with 11-4 record. Ancud at the other side keeps the eighth position with nine games lost. Sportiva Italiana are looking forward to face Puerto Varas (#5) at home in the next round. Ancud will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Ancud: R.Granberry 29+8reb+2ast, D.Evans 17+9reb+1ast, F.Morales 14+9reb+11ast, A.Vergara 10+5reb+1ast, N.Martinez 6+1reb+1ast, P.Barraza 6+3reb+1ast
Sportiva Italiana: M.Payton 25+1reb, G.Hernandez 17+4reb+11ast, B.Aguilera 13+4reb, D.Wallace 12+5reb+1ast, F.Herrera 8+6reb, J.Garcia 6+3reb+1ast

Las Animas - Colo Colo 75-77

A very close game took place in Valdivia between Colo Colo and Las Animas. Seventh ranked Colo Colo (8-7) got a very close victory on the road over 10th ranked Las Animas (4-12). Colo Colo managed to escape with a 2-point win 77-75 on Thursday evening. Colo Colo made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for American swingman Dennis McKinney (194-1998, college: Mt.Mercy) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 32 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Benjamin Herrera (-2003) accounted for 15 points and 5 assists for the winning side. American power forward Rashad Hassan (203-1989, college: SSU) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import forward Alphonso Anderson (198-1997, college: Pacific) added 12 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Las Animas in the defeat. Four Las Animas players scored in double figures. Colo Colo moved-up to sixth place. Loser Las Animas keep the tenth position with 12 games lost. Colo Colo will meet higher ranked Espanol (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Las Animas will play against Puente Alto (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Las Animas: R.Hassan 23+11reb+3ast, P.Sandoval 14+3reb, A.Anderson 12+7reb+2ast, C.Naranjo 10+3reb+2ast, P.Campos 5+4reb+5ast, C.Segovia 4+3reb+1ast
Colo Colo: D.McKinney 32+10reb+3ast, B.Herrera 15+4reb+5ast, D.Valenzuela 15+6reb+1ast, J.Schuler 6+7reb+2ast, F.Schuler 4+3reb+1ast, J.Collao 3+3reb+2ast

Univ.Concepcion - Puente Alto 104-81

No shocking result in a game when second ranked Univ.Concepcion (13-3) crushed at home 6th ranked Puente Alto (8-8) 104-81 on Thursday. Univ.Concepcion made 24-of-27 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 19 Puente Alto turnovers. Univ.Concepcion looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. It was an exceptional evening for American Zoran Talley (198-1994, college: Iowa St.) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import forward Stephen Maxwell (201-1993, college: CSUN) accounted for 23 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Talley is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Univ.Concepcion players scored in double figures. American forward Justin Strings (201-1996, college: Sacramento St.) came up with 27 points and 8 rebounds and American-Puerto Rican forward Jonathan Ocasio (196-1992, college: New Haven) added 17 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Puente Alto in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Univ.Concepcion maintains second place with 13-3 record having just two point less than leader Los Leones. Loser Puente Alto dropped to the seventh position with eight games lost. Univ.Concepcion will meet at home bottom-ranked Espanol (#12) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Puente Alto will play against Las Animas (#10) in Valdivia and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Puente Alto: J.Strings 27+8reb+2ast, J.Ocasio 17+6reb+2ast, A.Pinedo 7+4reb+1ast, R.Armijo 7+5reb+2ast, F.Alippi 7+4reb, R.Munoz 7+3reb+1ast
Univ.Concepcion: S.Maxwell 23+5reb+2ast, Z.Talley 18+12reb+4ast, E.Arteaga 16+3reb, S.Carrasco 13+7ast, D.Silva 10+5reb+3ast, C.Milano 8+6reb+1ast

Los Leones - Puerto Varas 89-56

LNB top team - Los Leones (13-1) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked Puerto Varas (9-7) in Quilpue 89-56. Los Leones made 21-of-25 charity shots (84.0 percent) during the game. Puerto Varas were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. It was a great evening for American forward Jerry Evans (203-1990, college: Nevada) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points (went 13 for 13 at the free throw line !!!). His fellow American import center Roquez Johnson (201-1992, college: MSU, agency: BIG) helped adding 8 points and 12 rebounds. Four Los Leones players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was the former international guard Marcelo Perez (196-1999, college: Southern Miss) with 15 points and 8 rebounds and American forward Joshua Morris (203-1993, college: UTPB) scored 11 points and 9 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Los Leones have an impressive series of nine victories in a row. Defending champion maintains first place with 13-1 record. Puerto Varas at the other side keep the fifth position with seven games lost. Los Leones will play against Valdivia (#11) at home in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Puerto Varas will play against Sportiva Italiana (#4) in Valparaiso and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Puerto Varas: M.Perez 15+8reb+3ast, J.Morris 11+9reb+1ast, A.Corum 9+4reb, P.Arroyo 6+2ast, B.Perez 5+1reb+2ast, S.Davies 5+1reb
Los Leones: J.Evans 17+4reb+2ast, I.Carrion 11+4reb+2ast, T.Jones 11+4reb+3ast, P.Allegrini 11+3reb+2ast, S.Mijares 10+5reb+5ast, D.Jones 8+2ast

Univ.Catolica - Valdivia 75-70

Rather expected game when 11th ranked Valdivia (2-14) lost to ninth ranked Univ.Catolica (6-11) in Santiago 70-75 on Thursday. Univ.Catolica made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Randy Rickards (201-2000, college: WILMU) who led the winners and scored 25 points and 9 rebounds. Brazilian center Pedro Leopoldino (206-1998) accounted for 16 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. American AJ Cheeseman (202-1998, college: UMES) came up with 22 points and 9 rebounds and Spanish Guillermo Vergara (191-1997) added 14 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Valdivia in the defeat. Valdivia's coach Ricardo Araujo tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Univ.Catolica maintains ninth place with 6-11 record. Valdivia lost their twelfth game in a row. They keep the eleventh position with 14 games lost. Univ.Catolica will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Valdivia will play against the league's leader Los Leones (#1) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Valdivia: A.Cheeseman 22+9reb+3ast, G.Vergara 14+5reb+2ast, E.Carrasco 10+3reb+5ast, E.Amado 9, S.Soulodre 8+7reb, M.Ugalde 4+2reb+1ast
Univ.Catolica: R.Rickards 25+9reb+2ast, P.Leopoldino 16+5reb+3ast, J.Dlugoszewski 10+3reb+2ast, S.Navarrete 9+5reb, D.Salcedo 7+6reb+3ast, V.Damianovic 5+2reb+1ast

Espanol O. - Espanol T. 101-68

Very predictable result when third ranked Espanol (12-4) rolled over bottom-ranked Espanol (1-15) in Osorno 101-68 on Thursday. Espanol forced 22 Espanol turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 31 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Espanol's players. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Hector Gomez (188-1987) who led the winners and scored 18 points and 6 assists. The former international guard Barham Amor (185-1996) accounted for 15 points, 6 assists and 5 steals for the winning side. Four Espanol O. players scored in double figures. Canadian center Rodney Simon (206-1997, college: Clark Atlanta, agency: Gulf Coast Hoops) came up with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds and the former international Mohunir Zerene (187-1994) added 17 points respectively for Espanol in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Espanol. They maintain third place with 12-4 record behind leader Los Leones. Espanol lost their eighth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Espanol will meet at home Colo Colo (#6) in the next round. Espanol will play against the league's second-placed Univ.Concepcion (#2) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Espanol T.: M.Zerene 17+3reb+3ast, R.Simon 14+14reb+1ast, K.Rowan 14+3reb+5ast, Y.Orelus 8+1reb, R.Amar 5, I.Caceres 4+3reb
Espanol O.: H.Gomez 18+3reb+6ast, S.Suarez 17+2reb+1ast, B.Amor 15+3reb+6ast, M.Gonzales 13+6reb+1ast, M.Sepulveda 10+7reb+2ast, C.Martinez 9+1ast

Univ.Catolica - Ancud 70-75

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 9th ranked Univ.Catolica's (6-11) home loss to eighth ranked Ancud (8-9) in Santiago 70-75 on Friday. It was an exceptional evening for American forward Richard Granberry (203-1993, college: Virginia St.) who led the winners and scored 17 points. The former international Alejandro Vergara (196-1995) accounted for 9 points and 9 rebounds for the winning side. American forward Randy Rickards (201-2000, college: WILMU) came up with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Vicente Damianovic (-1997) added 11 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Univ.Catolica in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Ancud maintains eighth place with 8-9 record. Loser Univ.Catolica keeps the ninth position with 11 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Univ.Catolica: R.Rickards 16+6reb+4ast, J.Dlugoszewski 11+2reb+5ast, P.Leopoldino 11+6reb+3ast, V.Damianovic 11+8reb+1ast, D.Salcedo 9+2reb+5ast, S.Navarrete 7+3reb+1ast
Ancud: R.Granberry 17+4reb, A.Lopez 13+5reb+2ast, D.Evans 13+4reb+1ast, G.Hermosillas 12+3reb, A.Vergara 9+9reb+3ast, R.Vera 5+1reb