National League Round 7 of Regular Season

Martin Martinez

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Second defeat of league's leader Atuneros (4-2) against fifth ranked Caballeros (4-3) 65-61 was the most important game of the last round. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international point guard Martin Martinez (182-1995) who helped to win the game recording 30 points and 6 rebounds. The former international forward Alexander Guerra (196-1996) contributed with 9 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners. Forward Oylan Spriggins (-1992) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists for Atuneros. Atuneros' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total twelve players in this game, but that didn't help. Caballeros moved-up to third place, which they share with Santa Maria. Newly promoted Atuneros still keep top position with two games lost. They were joined at the leadership position by Club Valle who have the same record.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Santa Maria (4-3) against fifth ranked Caballeros (4-3) on Friday night. Visiting Santa Maria was crushed by Caballeros in Ambato 78-56. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Santa Maria. It was a great evening for the former international point guard Martin Martinez (182-1995) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. Alexander Guerra helped adding 15 points and 13 rebounds. At the losing side forward Rodrigo Haro (-1994) responded with a double-double by scoring 14 points and 11 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Caballeros moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Santa Maria.
An interesting game for Atuneros (4-2) which played road game in Ibarra against 4th placed Piratas (2-4). First ranked Atuneros managed to get a 4-point victory 65-61. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Piratas. It was an exceptional evening for Yolvis Granado who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 20 points and 14 rebounds. Jorge Castillo came up with 11 points and 8 rebounds for Piratas in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Atuneros maintains first place with 4-2 record, which they share with Club Valle. Piratas at the other side dropped to the fifth position with four games lost.

In the last two games of round 7 Club Valle smashed Nesfebanor on the road 105-62. Piratas lost to Santa Maria on its own court 63-72.