LPB Round 4: Titanes keep a leadership position

The fans could enjoy quite many interesting games in the last round. The round ended with favorites losing the games and games ending by tiny margin. Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Titanes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Titanes defeated bottom-ranked Team Cali in Barranquilla 92-78. Titanes dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Team Cali's 40. They outrebounded Team Cali 43-27 including a 20-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international power forward Juan Palacios-Tello (206-85) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Panamanian Ernesto Oglivie (199-89) contributed with 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) for the winners. Guard Stedmon Dondre replied with 31 points (made all of his eight free throws) for Team Cali. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Titanes (5-0) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Team Cali at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Team Cali will play next round against Hurricanes trying to get back on the winning streak. Titanes will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Sabios in Manizales.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Piratas (3-2) against fourth ranked Motilones (3-1) on Tuesday night. Host Piratas were defeated by Motilones in a tough game in Bogota 65-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Piratas. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Nicholas Evans (210-88, college: S.Indiana) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks and Jovonni Shuler who added 18 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Gabriel Belardo (188-89, college: FIU) responded with 23 points and 5 rebounds. Motilones have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Piratas at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Tigrillos. Motilones will play against Bucaros (#6) in Bucaramanga in the next round. Piratas will play at home against Tigrillos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Manizales was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Bucaros (2-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Sabios (2-3). Bucaros did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 90-71 on Saturday. The winners were led by Anthony McClain who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds. Even a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds by Jeff Coby did not help to save the game for Sabios. Sabios' coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Despite that victory Bucaros went down to sixth position due to points difference, which they share with defeated Sabios. Sabios lost third consecutive game. Bucaros will meet higher ranked Motilones (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sabios will play against the league's leader Titanes in Barranquilla and hope to secure a win.
The game in San Andres Island was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Cafeteros (5-1) played at the court of 8th ranked Storm (1-4). Cafeteros managed to secure a 4-point victory 87-83. Brandone Francis fired 19 points and 5 assists for the winners. Storm's coach tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Cafeteros maintains second position with 5-1 record having just one point less than leader Titanes. Storm lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with four games lost. Cafeteros' next round opponent will be Hurricanes (#9) in San Andres and are hoping to win another game. Storm will play at home against Sabios and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Bucaramanga was also quite interesting. Top-ranked Titanes (5-0) played at the court of 5th ranked Bucaros (2-3). Titanes managed to secure a 6-point victory 96-90 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Bucaros. It was a very good performance for Jonathan Rodriguez who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Undefeated Titanes have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader. Loser Bucaros dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. Titanes will face Sabios (#7) in Manizales in the next round where they are favorite. Bucaros will play on the road against Motilones in Cucuta and hope to win that game.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Tigrillos were beaten by Motilones on the road 82-75. Tigrillos destroyed Sabios on its own court 91-65. Piratas managed to outperform Hurricanes in Bogota 76-74.

Sabios - Bucaros 71-90

The game in Manizales was also quite interesting. Fifth ranked Bucaros (2-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Sabios (2-3). Bucaros did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 90-71 on Saturday. Bucaros made 19-of-23 free shots (82.6 percent) during the game. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Bucaros made 7 blocks. The winners were led by American center Anthony McClain (211-88, college: Cincinnati) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 26 points and 11 rebounds and forward Maxie Kunle (-96) supported him with 19 points and 13 rebounds. Five Bucaros players scored in double figures. Even a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds by Haitian-American forward Jeff Coby (203-94, college: Columbia) did not help to save the game for Sabios. Center Cristian Arboleda (205-92) added 12 points and 13 rebounds for lost side. Sabios' coach rotated ten players seeing no chance for a win. Despite that victory Bucaros went down to sixth position due to points difference, which they share with defeated Sabios. Sabios lost third consecutive game. Bucaros will meet higher ranked Motilones (#3) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Sabios will play against the league's leader Titanes in Barranquilla and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Sabios: J.Coby 19+10reb+2ast, J.Fuller 14+3reb+4ast, C.Arboleda 12+13reb, J.Gonzalez 9+7reb+2ast, A.Minota 7+4reb+2ast, J.Gamboa 5+1reb+1ast
Bucaros: A.McClain 26+11reb, K.Maxie 19+13reb+1ast, W.Rose 16+9reb+4ast, P.Farris 13+2reb+2ast, L.Blandon 10+11reb+2ast, J.Jaimes 4+1reb+1ast

Titanes - Team Cali 92-78

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Titanes as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Titanes defeated bottom-ranked Team Cali in Barranquilla 92-78. Titanes dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Team Cali's 40. They outrebounded Team Cali 43-27 including a 20-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international power forward Juan Palacios-Tello (206-85) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points, 14 rebounds and 5 assists. Panamanian Ernesto Oglivie (199-89) contributed with 25 points and 7 rebounds (on 12-of-15 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Titanes players scored in double figures. Guard Stedmon Dondre replied with 31 points (made all of his eight free throws) and American Anthony January (206-93, college: CSUSB) added 13 points and 9 rebounds in the effort for Team Cali. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Titanes (5-0) have an impressive five-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Team Cali at the other side still closes the standings with five games lost. Team Cali will play next round against Hurricanes trying to get back on the winning streak. Titanes will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Sabios in Manizales.
Top scorers:
TEAM CALI: D.Stedmon 31+1reb, A.January 13+9reb+1ast, L.Black 10+5reb+1ast, S.Jorge 6+2reb+4ast, C.Jose 5+3reb+1ast, M.Samuel 5+1ast
Titanes: E.Oglivie 25+7reb+2ast, D.Guillermo 19+5reb+3ast, J.Palacios-Tello 19+14reb+5ast, J.Rodriguez 15+7reb+6ast, L.Moreno 7+1reb, G.Bacci 7+6reb+3ast

Storm - Cafeteros 83-87

The game in San Andres Island was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Cafeteros (5-1) played at the court of 8th ranked Storm (1-4). Cafeteros managed to secure a 4-point victory 87-83. Cafeteros brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. Dominican guard Brandone Francis (196-94, college: Texas Tech) fired 19 points and 5 assists for the winners. American-Jamaican power forward Phil Henry (203-91, college: ENMU) chipped in 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 blocks. Dominican Jaison Colome (190-96) produced 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists and Dominican forward Rich Polanco (203-97, college: S.Dakota) added 20 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Five Cafeteros and four Storm players scored in double figures. Storm's coach tested ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Newly promoted Cafeteros maintains second position with 5-1 record having just one point less than leader Titanes. Storm lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with four games lost. Cafeteros' next round opponent will be Hurricanes (#9) in San Andres and are hoping to win another game. Storm will play at home against Sabios and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Storm: C.Jaison 22+7reb+5ast, R.Polanco 20+6reb+1ast, A.Bejarano 10+5reb, M.Sutton 10+7reb+1ast, J.Corpus 9+6reb+3ast, N.Dannie 8+1reb+3ast
Cafeteros: B.Francis 19+4reb+5ast, P.Henry 15+5reb+2ast, P.Janer 11+3reb+1ast, J.Davis 11+4reb+2ast, R.Caicedo 11+2reb+3ast, M.Jackson 10+6reb+6ast

Motilones - Tigrillos 82-75

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Motilones (3-1) beat 6th ranked Tigrillos (3-2) in Cucuta 82-75 on Sunday. Motilones dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Tigrillos' 32. It was a very good performance for American center Nicholas Evans (210-88, college: S.Indiana) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 5 rebounds. The other American import center Jovonni Shuler (198-87, college: SSU) contributed with 20 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Shuler is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Motilones' coach used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Guard Antoni Jaume (-90) replied with 23 points and 8 rebounds and international guard Romario Roque (180-98) added 21 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Tigrillos. Motilones have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Loser Tigrillos dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. Motilones will face Bucaros (#6) in Bucaramanga in the next round. Tigrillos will play on the road against Piratas in Bogota and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tigrillos: J.Antoni 23+8reb+1ast, R.Roque 21+6reb+1ast, W.Van Beck 14+9reb+3ast, O.Munoz 7+1reb+1ast, G.Solano 7+3reb+4ast, P.Lockett 3+10reb+2ast
Motilones: N.Evans 24+5reb+3ast, J.Shuler 20+7reb+3ast, K.Sheard 9+5reb+4ast, D.Luque Soren 8+2reb+1ast, M.Adarius 7+13reb+1ast, L.David 6+1reb

Bucaros - Titanes 90-96

The game in Bucaramanga was also quite interesting. Top-ranked Titanes (5-0) played at the court of 5th ranked Bucaros (2-3). Titanes managed to secure a 6-point victory 96-90 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Bucaros. Titanes looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Bucaros' players. It was a very good performance for Dominican-Puerto Rican forward Jonathan Rodriguez (196-87, college: Campbell) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists. Forward Guillermo Diaz (200) contributed with 24 points for the winners. Four Titanes players scored in double figures. Forward Maxie Kunle (-96) replied with 22 points and American Parker Farris (195-94, college: Hawaii-Hilo) added 19 points and 5 assists in the effort for Bucaros. Titanes have an impressive five-game winning streak. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader. Loser Bucaros dropped to the sixth place with three games lost. Titanes will face Sabios (#7) in Manizales in the next round where they are favorite. Bucaros will play on the road against Motilones in Cucuta and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Bucaros: K.Maxie 22+4reb+2ast, W.Rose 20+2reb+1ast, P.Farris 19+3reb+5ast, A.McClain 8+13reb+1ast, J.Jaimes 8+2reb+1ast, V.Sebastian 8+4reb
Titanes: D.Guillermo 24+4reb, J.Rodriguez 22+12reb+8ast, E.Oglivie 19+4reb+4ast, J.Palacios-Tello 14+3reb+6ast, S.Safar 7+3reb+5ast, G.Bacci 5+6reb+3ast

Tigrillos - Sabios 91-65

Everything could happen in Medellin at the game between two tied teams. Both sixth ranked Tigrillos and 7th ranked Sabios had identical 2-2 record. This time Tigrillos used a home court advantage and smashed the opponent from Manizales 91-65 on Tuesday night. Quite impressive performance for Dominican guard Gelvis Solano (185-94, college: Merrimack) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds, 12 assists and 6 steals. Spanish center Antoni Vicens (204-90) contributed with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Four Tigrillos players scored in double figures. American JC Fuller (194-94, college: W.Illinois, agency: Slash Sports) replied with 16 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Haitian-American forward Jeff Coby (203-94, college: Columbia) added 13 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Sabios. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Tigrillos (3-2) moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Piratas. Sabios lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the sixth position with three games lost. Tigrillos will face Piratas (#4) in Bogota in the next round. Sabios will play on the road against the league's leader Titanes in Barranquilla and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Sabios: J.Fuller 16+5reb+4ast, J.Coby 13+8reb+3ast, J.Gamboa 10+2reb, J.Gonzalez 7+2reb+3ast, J.Villanueva 7+6reb+1ast, A.Yorbis 6+6reb
Tigrillos: W.Van Beck 21+5reb+3ast, A.Vicens 20+10reb, R.Roque 17+5reb+1ast, G.Solano 17+8reb+12ast, P.Lockett 7+10reb+1ast, V.Santiago 5+1ast

Hurricanes - Piratas 74-76

Very predictable result when third ranked Piratas (3-2) edged 9th ranked Hurricanes (1-4) in San Andres 76-74 on Saturday. Piratas looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. Quite impressive performance for American guard Gabriel Belardo (188-89, college: FIU) who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 7 rebounds. American-Puerto Rican forward Timajh Parker-Rivera (202-94, college: Towson) contributed with 7 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists for the winners. Worth to mention Belardo played also at Eurobasket Summer League, which helped get the job in pro basketball. Puerto Rican guard Jezreel De Jesus (185-91, agency: Interperformances) replied with 25 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and power forward Tony Lashea added 12 points, 18 rebounds and 6 blocks in the effort for Hurricanes. Four Hurricanes players scored in double figures. Piratas have a solid three-game winning streak. Despite that victory Piratas went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with Tigrillos. Hurricanes lost third consecutive game. Newly promoted team dropped to the eighth place with four games lost. Piratas will face Tigrillos (#5) in Medellin in the next round. Hurricanes will play on the road against Team Cali and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hurricanes: J.De Jesus 25+5reb+4ast, J.Johnson-Coston 15+5reb+1ast, L.Tony 12+18reb+1ast, J.Merchant 10+7reb+4ast, K.Masquita 6+3reb, D.Perez 4+1ast
Piratas: G.Belardo 23+7reb+2ast, F.Javier 18+1reb+5ast, J.Hernandez 12+11reb+1ast, S.Ortiz 9+7reb+2ast, J.Guitian 7+10reb+3ast, T.Parker-Rivera 7+11reb+9ast

Piratas - Motilones 65-72

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Piratas (3-2) against fourth ranked Motilones (3-1) on Tuesday night. Host Piratas were defeated by Motilones in a tough game in Bogota 65-72. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Piratas. They outrebounded Piratas 51-36 including 19 on the offensive glass. Worth to mention a great performance of American center Nicholas Evans (210-88, college: S.Indiana) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 15 points, 11 rebounds and 4 blocks and the other American import center Jovonni Shuler (198-87, college: SSU) who added 18 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Shuler is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. At the losing side American guard Gabriel Belardo (188-89, college: FIU) responded with 23 points and 5 rebounds and American-Puerto Rican forward Timajh Parker-Rivera (202-94, college: Towson) scored 11 points and 8 rebounds. Motilones have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place. Piratas at the other side dropped to the fourth position with two games lost. They share it with Tigrillos. Motilones will play against Bucaros (#6) in Bucaramanga in the next round. Piratas will play at home against Tigrillos and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Piratas: G.Belardo 23+5reb+1ast, T.Parker-Rivera 11+8reb+1ast, J.Guitian 11+6reb+1ast, F.Javier 9+2reb+3ast, S.Ortiz 4+3reb+2ast, J.Hernandez 3+11reb
Motilones: J.Shuler 18+6reb+2ast, D.Luque Soren 16+5reb+1ast, N.Evans 15+11reb+1ast, K.Sheard 8+2reb+2ast, M.Adarius 6+18reb, L.David 4+7reb+4ast



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