LNB Round 28 (Regular Season): Los Leones defeat Espanol in the closest game of the week

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Third-ranked Espanol (19-10) gave a tough game to first ranked Los Leones (26-3) in Osorno on Sunday. The visitors from Quilpue managed to secure only three-point victory 67-64. However their fans expected easier game. Los Leones forced 20 Espanol turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Roquez Johnson (201-1992, college: MSU, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 9 rebounds and the former international forward Ignacio Carrion (201-1993) who added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Los Leones' coach Jose Angel Samaniego used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side the former international guard Barham Amor (185-1996) responded with 21 points. Defending champion maintains first position with 26-3 record. Espanol at the other side keeps the third place with ten games lost. They share the position with Puerto Varas. Los Leones are looking forward to face Las Animas (#9) in Valdivia in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Espanol will play on the road against Sportiva Italiana (#5) in Valparaiso and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Eighth ranked Puente Alto (13-16) crushed at home 11th ranked Valdivia (5-24) by 26 points 101-75, which is the biggest margin this round. The winners were led by American forward Justin Strings (201-1996, college: Sacramento St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 12 rebounds and Jonathan Ocasio supported him with 22 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Even a double-double of 12 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists by the former international guard Erik Carrasco (181-1983) did not help to save the game for Valdivia. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Puente Alto moved-up to seventh place. Valdivia lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 24 games lost. Puente Alto will play against Ancud (#8) on the road in the next round. Valdivia will play against Espanol and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 28: Univ.Catolica lost to Las Animas on the opponent's court 73-82. Univ.Concepcion outscored Sportiva Italiana in a home game 95-70. Puerto Varas managed to beat Espanol on the road 77-72. Colo Colo defeated Ancud on its own court 83-79.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 19 points and 18 rebounds by Richard Amardi of Ancud.



Espanol O. - Los Leones 64-67

Third-ranked Espanol (19-10) gave a tough game to first ranked Los Leones (26-3) in Osorno on Sunday. The visitors from Quilpue managed to secure only three-point victory 67-64. However their fans expected easier game. Los Leones forced 20 Espanol turnovers. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Roquez Johnson (201-1992, college: MSU, agency: BIG) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 9 rebounds and the former international forward Ignacio Carrion (201-1993) who added 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Los Leones' coach Jose Angel Samaniego used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. At the losing side the former international guard Barham Amor (185-1996) responded with 21 points and the former international Sebastian Suarez (193-1991, college: Portland St.) scored 14 points and 4 assists. Defending champion maintains first position with 26-3 record. Espanol at the other side keeps the third place with ten games lost. They share the position with Puerto Varas. Los Leones are looking forward to face Las Animas (#9) in Valdivia in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Espanol will play on the road against Sportiva Italiana (#5) in Valparaiso and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Los Leones: R.Johnson 24+9reb+1ast, I.Carrion 17+5reb+4ast, S.Mijares 6+5reb+2ast, E.Lugo 5+6reb+1ast, D.Jones 5+6reb+3ast, P.Allegrini 5+1reb+1ast
Espanol O.: B.Amor 21+4reb+1ast, S.Suarez 14+4reb+4ast, C.Lauler 10+3reb+1ast, D.Daniels 6+7reb, Y.Rasas 5+3reb+2ast, A.Moraga 4+2reb+5ast

Las Animas - Univ.Catolica 82-73

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Univ.Catolica's (9-20) road loss to ninth ranked Las Animas (12-17) 73-82. The winners were led by American forward Alphonso Anderson (198-1997, college: Pacific) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 11 rebounds and the other American import power forward Rashad Hassan (203-1989, college: SSU) supported him with 20 points and 14 rebounds. Four Las Animas players scored in double figures. Even 25 points and 8 rebounds by Brazilian center Pedro Leopoldino (206-1998) did not help to save the game for Univ.Catolica. American forward Randy Rickards (201-2000, college: WILMU) added 23 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Las Animas moved-up to eighth place, which they share with Ancud. Univ.Catolica lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with 20 games lost. Las Animas will play against league's leader Los Leones in Quilpue in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Univ.Catolica will play at home against the league's second-placed Univ.Concepcion (#2) having rather not much hope for a victory.
Top scorers:
Las Animas: A.Anderson 29+11reb+2ast, R.Hassan 20+14reb+3ast, P.Sandoval 10+1reb+2ast, G.Diaz 10+1reb+6ast, C.Naranjo 6+3reb+1ast, G.Caraboni 5+1reb+3ast
Univ.Catolica: P.Leopoldino 25+8reb+2ast, R.Rickards 23+7reb+2ast, V.Damianovic 10+7reb, J.Dlugoszewski 7+1reb+6ast, D.Salcedo 3+3ast, C.Salas 3+1reb

Univ.Concepcion - Sportiva Italiana 95-70

Rather predictable result when second ranked Univ.Concepcion (25-4) smashed at home 5th ranked Sportiva Italiana (17-12) 95-70. Univ.Concepcion dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Sportiva Italiana's 30. Univ.Concepcion had a 37-26 advantage in offensive rebounds. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. The winners were led by American forward Stephen Maxwell (201-1993, college: CSUN) who scored that evening 30 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import Zoran Talley (198-1994, college: Iowa St.) supported him with 18 points and 8 rebounds. 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. Even 31 points and 7 rebounds by American Devante Wallace (196-1992, college: High Point, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Sportiva Italiana. American-Haitian forward Wes Alcegaire (198-1994, college: BGSU) added 15 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Univ.Concepcion have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 25-4 record behind leader Los Leones. Sportiva Italiana at the other side keeps the fifth place with 12 games lost. Univ.Concepcion will play against Univ.Catolica (#10) in Santiago in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Sportiva Italiana will play at home against Espanol (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Univ.Concepcion: S.Maxwell 30+8reb, Z.Talley 18+8reb+3ast, S.Carrasco 11+3reb+4ast, D.Silva 11+9reb+8ast, K.Rubio 11+6reb+1ast, N.Aguirre 6+5reb
Sportiva Italiana: D.Wallace 31+7reb+1ast, W.Alcegaire 15+7reb+2ast, F.Herrera 7+2reb+3ast, G.Hernandez 5+2reb+3ast, J.Barra 4+4reb, C.Rios 4+5reb+1ast

Puente Alto - Valdivia 101-75

Eighth ranked Puente Alto (13-16) crushed at home 11th ranked Valdivia (5-24) by 26 points 101-75, which is the biggest margin this round. Puente Alto players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. The winners were led by American forward Justin Strings (201-1996, college: Sacramento St.) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 29 points and 12 rebounds and American-Puerto Rican forward Jonathan Ocasio (196-1992, college: New Haven) supported him with 22 points and 7 rebounds (made all of his eight free throws). Even a double-double of 12 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists by the former international guard Erik Carrasco (181-1983) did not help to save the game for Valdivia. American center Dishon Lowery (200-1998, college: OKBU) added 21 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Puente Alto moved-up to seventh place. Valdivia lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eleventh position with 24 games lost. Puente Alto will play against Ancud (#8) on the road in the next round. Valdivia will play against Espanol and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Puente Alto: J.Strings 29+12reb+2ast, J.Ocasio 22+7reb+2ast, F.Bravo 13+3reb+7ast, R.Munoz 10+5ast, F.Ibarra 9+6reb+1ast, J.Pino 8+2reb+6ast
Valdivia: D.Lowery 21+7reb+2ast, E.Amado 20+6reb+3ast, E.Carrasco 12+13reb+7ast, S.Soulodre 8+2reb+1ast, G.Isla 3+1reb, A.Di Genova 3+1ast

Espanol T. - Puerto Varas 72-77

Not a big story in a game in Talca where 12th ranked Espanol (3-26) was defeated by fourth ranked Puerto Varas (19-10) 77-72. Puerto Varas dominated down low during the game scoring 54 of its points in the paint compared to Espanol T.'s 32. The winners were led by American forward Joshua Morris (203-1993, college: UTPB) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds and the other American import forward Andrew Corum (201-1997, college: Virginia St.) supported him with 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. Even a double-double of 16 points and 10 rebounds by Canadian center Rodney Simon (206-1997, college: Clark Atlanta, agency: Gulf Coast Hoops) did not help to save the game for Espanol. Ramiro Montes added 18 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Puerto Varas have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Espanol. Espanol at the other side stay dead last with 26 lost games. Puerto Varas will play against Colo Colo (#6) in Santiago in the next round. Espanol will play on the road against Valdivia (#11) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Puerto Varas: J.Morris 18+12reb, A.Corum 17+5reb+4ast, B.Vander Stell 17+3reb+2ast, M.Perez 13+5reb+3ast, C.Villagran 7+3reb+2ast, S.Davies 2
Espanol T.: R.Montes 18+6reb+1ast, M.Zerene 18+1reb+1ast, R.Simon 16+10reb, V.Guaico 11+1reb+4ast, C.Cabrera 6+7reb+4ast, F.Gonzalez Burgos 3+3reb+3ast

Colo Colo - Ancud 83-79

Everything went according to plan in Santiago where sixth ranked Colo Colo (14-15) beat 8th ranked Ancud (12-17) 83-79. The winners were led by Argentinian guard Alejo Britos (187-1994) who scored that evening 26 points and 4 assists and American swingman Dennis McKinney (194-1998, college: Mt.Mercy) supported him with 21 points and 5 assists. Colo Colo's coach Ernesto Menchaca allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. Even a double-double of 19 points and 18 rebounds (perfect from the field making all seven shots !!!) by Canadian forward Richard Amardi (206-1990, college: Oregon, agency: BIG) did not help to save the game for Ancud. Argentinian Nahuel Martinez (188-1995) added 27 points and 5 assists for lost side. Four Ancud players scored in double figures. Colo Colo maintains sixth position with 14-15 record. Ancud at the other side keeps the eighth place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Las Animas. Colo Colo will play against higher ranked Puerto Varas (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Ancud will play against Puente Alto (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Colo Colo: A.Britos 26+4reb+4ast, D.McKinney 21+4reb+5ast, S.Silva 13+7reb+3ast, J.Schuler 8+1reb, D.Valenzuela 7+11reb, M.Serrano 4+2reb+2ast
Ancud: N.Martinez 27+3reb+5ast, R.Amardi 19+18reb+1ast, F.Morales 12+2reb+9ast, G.Hermosillas 10+3reb+3ast, R.Granberry 8+7reb+2ast, R.Vera 3+1reb+1ast