Liga Wplay Round 10: Storm is defeated by Cafeteros

Alvaro Pena

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Storm (8-3) in Armenia on Friday night. Visitors were rolled over by second ranked Cafeteros (7-2) 88-51. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Cafeteros outrebounded Storm 48-31 including 17 on the offensive glass. International Alvaro Pena (197-1995) scored 14 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the charge for the winners and American guard JaQuaylon Mays (185-2000, college: Fort Lewis) chipped in 16 points during the contest. At the losing side Argentinian Matias Solanas (192-1998) responded with 10 points and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Cafeteros maintains second position with 7-2 record having 2 victories less than leader Carrib.Storm. Storm at the other side still keeps top place with three games lost. They share the position with Titanes.
Important game to mention about took place in Cali. Fourth ranked Cimarrones (6-6) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging one of their biggest challengers Team Cali (5-6) 79-76 in the fight for the third place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Team Cali. American forward Mike Poole (196-1992, college: Iona) notched a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds to lead the effort and Bruce Massey supported him with 15 points, 8 rebounds and 9 assists. Even 23 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by American guard John Merchant (187-1989, college: Dowling) did not help to save the game for Team Cali. Team Cali's coach Guillermo Moreno rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Cimarrones moved-up to third place. Team Cali at the other side dropped to the fourth position with six games lost.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Bucaramanga. Third ranked host Bucaros (8-4) defeated their biggest opponent Titanes (8-3) 80-74. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Titanes. Sammy Mojica fired 19 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists for the winners. Josimar Ayarza produced 25 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Titanes' coach Tomas Diaz tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Bucaros maintains third position with 8-4 record behind leader Carrib.Storm. Defending champion Titanes still keep top place with three games lost. They share the position with Carrib.Storm.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 10: Motilones lost to Piratas on the opponent's court 88-98. Team Cali managed to outperform Cimarrones in a home game 82-73. Carrib.Storm recorded a loss to Cafeteros on the road 90-81.