Liga MB Round 13: Quezaltepeque loses to Brujos Izalco

Jose Araujo

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game between third ranked Quezaltepeque (10-5) and fourth ranked Brujos Izalco (10-5) was the most important one in the last round on Tuesday night. Quezaltepeque was crushed by Brujos Izalco in Izalco 50-78. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Quezaltepeque. They outrebounded Quezaltepeque 59-38 including a 44-25 advantage in defensive rebounds. Brujos Izalco looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Brujos Izalco made 14 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of naturalized Canadian point guard Jose Araujo (187-86, college: UNBC, agency: Interperformances) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 16 points, 11 rebounds and 9 assists. Vincentian center Akeme Smart (218-91, college: McCook CC) contributed with 15 points, 19 rebounds and 6 blocks for the winners. American center Darohn Scott (198-96, college: Cent Michigan) answered with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 16 rebounds and 4 blocks for Quezaltepeque. Quezaltepeque's coach William Avalos gave up on the game allowing to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Brujos Izalco moved-up to third place, which they share with defeated Quezaltepeque. Brujos Izalco will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Quezaltepeque will play at home against 11 Lobos and is hoping to win this game.
Liga MB top team - Santa Tecla (12-2) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked San Salvador (8-7) 74-55. Center Carlos Arias (200-89) stepped up and scored 16 points and 9 rebounds for the winners and Michael Hinestroza chipped in 10 points, 13 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 blocks. Santa Tecla's coach Rainel Panfet used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. At the losing side American forward Quincy Scates (198-89, college: Tenn Wesleyan) responded with 17 points and 7 rebounds. Santa Tecla have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain first place with 12-2 record. San Salvador at the other side keeps the fifth position with seven games lost. Santa Tecla will play against Aguila (#7) in San Miguel in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. San Salvador will play on the road against the league's second-placed Isidro Metapan and hopes to get back on the winning track.
The game between 9th ranked 11 Lobos (3-11) and second ranked Isidro Metapan (12-3) in Chalchuapa on Wednesday ended with biggest points difference. Guests from Metapan outscored 11 Lobos 116-76. Chris Blake nailed 33 points (!!!), 9 rebounds and 8 assists for the winning side. Darwin Jaramillo came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds for 11 Lobos in the defeat. 11 Lobos' coach Daniel Moran already knew that his team would not have a big chance, so allowed to play ten players seeing no chance for a win. Isidro Metapan maintains second place with 12-3 record having just one point less than leader Santa Tecla. Loser 11 Lobos keep the ninth position with 11 games lost. They share it with Cojute. Isidro Metapan will meet at home San Salvador (#5) in the next round. 11 Lobos will play against Quezaltepeque (#4) and hope to secure a win.

In the last game of round 13 Brujos Izalco smashed Cojute on the road 83-64.