LNB Round 12: Reales lose to Leones

Nick Faust

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The biggest surprise took place in Santo Domingo where host Leones (11-7) beat league's leader Reales (11-7) 121-110 on Friday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Leones made 25-of-30 free shots (83.3 percent) during the game. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Leones looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. The best player for the winners was American Nick Faust (198-1993, college: LBSU) who scored 39 points (!!!) and 5 rebounds. Kelvin Perez chipped in 26 points and 5 rebounds. Leones' coach Julio Duquela used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Raphiael Putney (207-1990, college: UMass) who recorded 27 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Reales. Reales will play next round against Titanes trying to make it back to the top of the standings. Leones will try to continue on its current victory against sixth ranked Soles. It will be extra interesting game as Soles is their local rival from Santo Domingo.
The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Indios as it allowed them to take a leadership position after previous leader's (Reales) loss. Indios defeated 5th ranked Titanes in San Francisco 97-92. It was a good game for American guard Ramon Galloway (190-1991, college: La Salle) who led his team to a victory with 24 points, 5 rebounds and 9 assists. Luismal Ferreiras contributed with 18 points and 16 rebounds for the winners. American forward Randy Bautista (, college: ASA Manhattan CC) replied with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for Titanes. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Indios have a solid three-game winning streak. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with 3 other teams. Titanes at the other side keep the fifth place with nine games lost. Titanes will play next round against strong Reales trying to get back on the winning streak. Indios will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game.
The game in Santo Domingo was also quite interesting. Third ranked Caneros (11-7) played at the court of 6th ranked Soles (8-11). Caneros managed to secure a 5-point victory 76-71 on Thursday. Worth to mention a great performance of Orlando Sanchez who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 19 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). The best for the losing side was Gerardo Suero with 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists. Soles' coach Julio Cesar Javier tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Caneros keep a position of league leader, which they share with 3 other teams. Soles lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 11 games lost. Caneros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Soles' supporters look forward to an exciting derby game next round, where their team will face at home their local rival from Santo Domingo Leones.

In the last game of round 12 Caneros crushed Soles in La Romana 105-77.