Liga MB Round 18: Metapan defeat Cojute in the closest game of the week

Leangelo Saravia

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 18 in the Liga MB took place in Metapan. This derby game ended with only three-point defeat on the road of one of their biggest challengers Cojute (9-5) to fifth ranked Metapan (7-6) 86-83 on Monday evening. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Cojute. Metapan looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Metapan made 11 blocks. American point guard Leangelo Saravia (183, college: Oakland City) scored 18 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists to lead the charge for the winners and Lee Vasquez (176-1991) chipped in 23 points and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American guard Jeremy Agosto (177-1997, agency: The French Family Consulting) with a triple-double by scoring 29 points, 11 rebounds, 10 assists and 6 steals. Metapan moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Quezaltepeque. Cojute at the other side keeps the third position with five games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Izalco was also worth to mention about. 7th ranked Fantasmas (4-8) played at the court of eighth ranked Brujos (5-7). Brujos managed to secure a 7-point victory 95-88. Guyanese-American center Anthony Moe (207-1990, college: Millersville) notched a double-double by scoring 27 points, 15 rebounds and 8 blocks to lead the effort and Jonatan Bello supported him with 23 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 blocks. Brujos' coach Francisco Lemus allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Even a double-double of 29 points and 15 rebounds by American Nick Moore (198-1991, college: Alliance) did not help to save the game for Fantasmas. Brujos moved-up to sixth place. Fantasmas lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the eighth position with eight games lost. Brujos will play against bottom-ranked Chalchuapa (#10) on the road in the next round. Fantasmas will play against Santiagueno and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
10th ranked Chalchuapa (1-12) was outscored at home by fourth ranked Quezaltepeque (7-6) with the biggest margin this round 101-54 on Sunday night. The best player for the winners was Jose Araujo who scored 30 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Ryann Mercado who recorded a double-double by scoring 22 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Quezaltepeque have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 7-6 record, which they share with Metapan. Chalchuapa lost fourth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 12 games lost. Quezaltepeque will meet at home league's second-placed Santa Tecla in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Chalchuapa will play against Brujos (#6) and hope to win that game.