Liga MB Round 20: Top-ranked San Salvador wins another game

Alejandro Grant

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Coincidentally all hosts won their games. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Liga MB top team - San Salvador (13-1) had no problems winning another game on Thursday. This time they crushed fifth ranked Quezaltepeque (7-8) 89-61. It was a great shooting night for San Salvador especially from behind the arc, where they had solid 52.4 percentage. Panamanian Alejandro Grant (199-1993) orchestrated the victory by scoring 20 points and 4 assists. point guard Martin Ramos (171-1992) contributed with 17 points for the winners. Dominican forward Rayner Moquete (185-1990, college: Binghamton) replied with 5 points, 12 rebounds and 8 assists for Quezaltepeque. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. San Salvador have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 13-1 record, which they share with Santa Tecla. Quezaltepeque at the other side dropped to the sixth place with eight games lost. San Salvador is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Chalchuapa (#10) on the road in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Quezaltepeque will play against Santiagueno (#9) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
The game in Izalco supposed to be also worth to mention about. One of their biggest challengers Metapan (7-7) played at the court of sixth ranked Brujos (7-7). Brujos smashed Metapan 109-86. Worth to mention a great performance of Dominican swingman Jonatan Bello (195-2001) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 28 points, 14 rebounds and 9 assists and Juan De Los Santos who added 37 points (!!!), 7 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Brujos' coach Francisco Lemus felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Lee Vasquez (176-1991) responded with 24 points, 8 assists and 4 steals. Brujos have a solid four-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with defeated Metapan. Brujos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Metapan will play at home against the league's second-placed Santa Tecla (#2) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game between second ranked Santa Tecla (13-1) and 10th ranked Chalchuapa (1-14) in Santa Tecla on Friday ended with biggest points difference. Santa Tecla outscored guests from Chalchuapa 139-73. The winners were led by Yoel Cubillas who had that evening a double-double by scoring 31 points, 27 rebounds and 5 assists (on 14-of-18 shooting from the field). Coach Ernesto Rodriguez's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 14 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by Gorg Alhag did not help to save the game for Chalchuapa. Santa Tecla have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with San Salvador. Chalchuapa lost sixth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom place with 14 games lost. Santa Tecla will meet Metapan (#4) on the road in the next round. Chalchuapa will play against the league's leader San Salvador (#1) and hope to win that game.

In the last two games of round 20 Fantasmas was beaten by Cojute on the road 85-81. Santiagueno destroyed Santa Ana on its own court 114-60.
The most impressive performance of 20th round was 21 points, 27 rebounds and 5 assists by Freddy Asprilla of Santiagueno.