Importadora Alvarado Surge Past Andes to Keep the Cup in Ambato

Importadora Alvarado are national champions of Ecuador once again, overturning a rocky start with an overwhelming third quarter to beat Andes B.C. 85-65 in the finals of the Liga Nacional FEB and keep the trophy at home in Ambato.
Things did not begin well for the hosts. Andes B.C. came out firing, riding a hot hand from Adriano Barreras (183-SG-1989) to a 28-14 first-quarter lead. But Importadora steadied themselves in the second period, outscoring the visitors 22-12 to trail just 40-36 at the break and then blew the game open after halftime. A devastating 32-12 third quarter flipped a four-point deficit into a commanding 68-52 lead, and the hosts coasted from there before a crowd of 2,000 at the Coliseo Cerrado de los Deportes.
Lucas Gil's side won with balance and ball movement. Yussephe Castaneda (185-G-2000) led the way with 18 points, five rebounds and six assists, Marvin Vives added 16 points, seven rebounds and six assists, and Paul Marigney (191-G-1982, college: SMC) II posted 14 points and nine rebounds. Tournament MVP Erick Mesias (2003) chipped in 10 points. Importadora shot 40 percent from three (15 of 37) and turned 15 Andes turnovers into 21 points.
Barreras Alvarez was magnificent in defeat with a game-high 28 points on six three-pointers, and Jeanhison Capote added 16, but Andes B.C. could not match Importadora's firepower once the champions found their rhythm.