Liga MB Round 15: Brujos Izalco is upset by Aguila

Luis Almonte

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

The game between third ranked Brujos Izalco (11-6) and eighth ranked Aguila (6-10) was the most important one in the last round on Sunday night. Brujos Izalco was defeated by Aguila in a tough game in San Miguel 64-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Brujos Izalco. Aguila forced 23 Brujos Izalco turnovers. The best player for the winners was forward Luis Almonte (187-88) who scored 31 points and 9 rebounds. Cuban point guard Osmel Oliva (178-87) chipped in 21 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 6 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was American swingman JaCarre Crockett (190-96, college: Philander Smith) who recorded 37 points (!!!), 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Aguila moved-up to seventh place. Brujos Izalco at the other side dropped to the fourth position with six games lost.
Leader Santa Tecla delivered the fourteenth victory. This time they beat 7th ranked Halcones (5-11) 90-74 in Sonzacate. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones. It was a good game for Venezuelan-Colombian power forward Michael Hinestroza (208-90, college: UALR) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Lisvan Valdes contributed with 17 points and 5 rebounds for the winners. American power forward Darian Barnes (206-93, college: Neumann) answered with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 18 rebounds for Halcones. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Santa Tecla (14-2) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They maintain first place. Defending champion Halcones dropped to the eighth position with 11 games lost.
The game with biggest result difference took place in Sonzacate. Local Halcones (5-11) outscored 10th ranked Cojute (3-13) 113-67 on Sunday night. The game was dominated by American players. Worth to mention a quality performance of Kenny Wilson who helped to win the game recording 31 points. Halcones' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench and allowed the starting five to rest. The best for the losing side was Mike Williams with 31 points and 5 rebounds. Despite that victory Halcones went down to eighth position due to points difference. Cojute lost their sixth game in a row. They stay at the bottom place with 13 games lost. They share the position with 11 Lobos.

In the last game of round 15 11 Lobos were defeated by Aguila in San Miguel 84-71.