Liga Wplay Round 4: Titanes lose their first game against Bucaros

Stalin Ortiz

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Titanes (3-1) in Barranquilla on Thursday night. Hosts were defeated by third ranked Bucaros (2-2) 77-73. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Titanes. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Stalin Ortiz (190-1981, college: Valpo) who helped to win the game recording 21 points and 8 rebounds and American guard Sammy Mojica (191-1994, college: Drexel) who added 17 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side Argentinian Jose Defelippo (186-1997) responded with 19 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (made all of his seven free throws). Titanes' coach Tomas Diaz tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Bucaros maintains third position with 2-2 record behind leader Carrib.Storm. Defending champion Titanes still keep top place with one game lost. They share the position with Piratas. Bucaros are looking forward to face Corsarios (#4) in Cartagena in the next round. Titanes will play on the road against Motilones in Cucuta and are hoping to win this game.
Very important is a road loss of second ranked Team Cali (2-1) against fourth ranked Cimarrones (1-2) on Friday night. Visiting Team Cali was defeated by Cimarrones in a tough game in Quibdo-Choco 70-77. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Team Cali. The winners were led by American forward Nick Evans (210-1988, college: S.Indiana) who scored that evening 17 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists and Gianfranco Espinosa supported him with 18 points. Even a double-double of 25 points and 11 rebounds by American guard John Merchant (187-1989, college: Dowling) did not help to save the game for Team Cali. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Cimarrones left bottom position moving up to third place. Team Cali at the other side keeps the second position with one game lost. Cimarrones will again play against league's second-placed Team Cali at home in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Team Cali will have a break next round.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Cucuta. 4th ranked host Motilones (0-2) were smashed by second ranked Piratas (3-1) 79-60. Jeremy Smith fired 17 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Roydell Brown produced 18 points and 6 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Piratas have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Titanes. Loser Motilones still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Sabios and Corsarios. Piratas will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Motilones will play against the league's second-placed Titanes (#2) and hope to get finally their first victory.

In the last game of round 4 winless Cafeteros lost to undefeated Carrib.Storm on the opponent's court 56-79.