ARBA San Ramon Win the Clasico de Occidente to Sweep Into the Semifinals

ARBA San Ramon staked their claim as title contenders, beating Grecia CRS Seguros 77-71 on the road to complete a 2-0 quarterfinal sweep and become the second team into the Liga Superior de Baloncesto semifinals.
In a charged edition of the traditional Clasico de Occidente, played before a packed Polideportivo de Grecia, the two sides traded blows in a tight, postseason-worthy contest featuring eight ties and seven lead changes. The "poetas" set the early tone, riding Malcolm Letford Kirkeness' fast start to an 18-14 first-quarter lead, then leaning on Isaac Cubero Solis in the paint to take a 36-29 advantage into halftime.
Grecia came out transformed after the break. Powered by an outstanding showing from Jesse Barnes, the hosts dominated the third quarter 21-13 to nudge ahead 50-49 and breathe life into the series. But when the pressure peaked, San Ramon's experience told. The visitors stayed composed in the fourth, and a decisive 9-0 run swung the game back their way, with the poetas managing the lead intelligently to close it out 77-71.
Veteran point guard Isaac Conejo (182-PG-1994) was named the game's MVP, controlling the tempo and steadying his team through Grecia's surge. Cubero Solis again came up big in the final period, while Barnes led all scorers for Grecia with a 22-point, 13-rebound double-double in defeat. The win carried extra weight given that San Ramon were without one of their key men, Daniel Shedden (193-F-1996, college: MSUB), forcing rotation changes that the squad answered with collective depth.
ARBA San Ramon now await the winner of the series between Escazu Escoba and Semedes L.H. in the semifinals.