LNB Round 5: Caneros keep a leadership position

Brayan Martinez

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Caneros as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Caneros defeated 7th ranked Metros in La Romana 83-77. Caneros looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. The best player for the winners was Brayan Martinez (203-1991) who had a double-double by scoring 26 points and 10 rebounds. American guard Tyree Crump (185-1997, college: Georgia, agency: Interperformances) chipped in 12 points, 8 rebounds and 13 assists. American forward Emmitt Williams (198-1998, college: LSU) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds for the guests. Metros' coach Nestor Diaz rotated twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Caneros have a solid series of three victories in a row. As mentioned above they are alone now at the top position. Metros lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with eight games lost. Metros will play next round against strong Reales trying to get back on the winning streak. Caneros will try to continue on its current victory against eighth ranked Marineros in Puerto Plata.
Undefeated Reales (6-1) recorded its first loss in La Vega. Hosts were rolled over by third ranked Leones (6-3) 104-80. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Reales. Kevin Perez orchestrated the victory by scoring 25 points and 9 rebounds. Jaison Valdez contributed with 14 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals for the winners. Guard Gelvis Solano (185-1994, college: Merrimack) answered with 18 points and 7 rebounds for Reales. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Leones have a solid series of three victories in a row. Defending champion maintains third place with 6-3 record behind leader Caneros. Reales at the other side keep the second position with one game lost. Leones will play against Titanes (#6) in San Cristobal in the next round. Reales will play at home against Metros (#7) and hope to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in San Cristobal (derby !!!) between Indios and Titanes. Fifth ranked Indios (6-4) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Titanes (4-6). Indios managed to escape with a 3-point win 90-87 on Tuesday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Titanes. Luismal Ferreiras stepped up with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 18 rebounds for the winners. Jassel Perez responded with 22 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Soles. Loser Titanes keep the sixth position with six games lost. Indios will meet at home Soles (#4) in the next round. Titanes will play against Leones in Santo Domingo and hope to secure a win.

In the last two games of round 5 Indios defeated Marineros in San Francisco 84-71. Soles beat Leones at home 82-67.