LNB Round 7: Reales lose to Titanes

Jassel Perez

Host teams show no mercy winning all games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Round 7 most important game was a defeat of league's leader Reales (8-3). They were defeated by sixth ranked Titanes (6-7) 100-85 on Wednesday night. Titanes looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. It was a great evening for swingman Jassel Perez (195-2001) who led his team to a victory scoring 36 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. American Jaelyn Johnson-Coston (198-1993, college: FMU) helped adding 25 points and 10 rebounds. At the losing side American forward Raphiael Putney (207-1990, college: UMass) responded with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Titanes maintains sixth place with 6-7 record. Reales at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Leones who have the same record. Reales will play next round against strong Indios trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Titanes will try to continue on its current victory against seventh ranked Marineros in Puerto Plata.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Leones as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Reales) loss. Leones defeated 8th ranked Metros in Santo Domingo 89-78. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Metros. It was an exceptional evening for point guard Jaison Valdez (188-1995) who led the winners with a triple-double by scoring 12 points, 11 rebounds, 11 assists and 5 steals. Diego Colon accounted for 27 points. Jhery Matos (196-1996, college: Charlotte) came up with 13 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for Metros in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Reales. Metros at the other side stay at the bottom place with 11 games lost. Metros will play next round against Soles trying to get back on the winning streak. Leones will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Caneros (7-5) against fifth ranked Indios (8-6) on Tuesday night. Visiting Caneros were crushed by Indios in San Francisco 101-78. Americans were the main players on the court. Curtis Hollis fired a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists for the winners. Tyree Crump produced 15 points and 7 assists for lost side. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Indios moved-up to third place. Caneros lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with five games lost. Indios will meet league's second-placed Reales in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Caneros will have a break next round.

In the last game of round 7 Soles lost to Marineros on the opponent's court 97-104.