Liga MB Round 17 (Regular Season): Salvadorenos are defeated by San Salvador in a derby game

The teams have now bigger motivation at this stage of Regular Season. Every game can be crucial and decide about teams' position at the end of Regular Season. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from San Salvador: San Salvador (#1) and Salvadorenos (#5). Salvadorenos were crushed at home by 39 points 53-92 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. San Salvador looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Salvadorenos' players. Cuban forward Yoel Cubillas (204-1994) stepped up and scored 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Dominican guard Nargenis Ulloa (182-1997) chipped in 24 points and 9 rebounds. Venezuelan-Colombian center Michael Hinestroza (210-1990, college: UALR) responded with 4 points, 9 rebounds and 5 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. Undefeated San Salvador (16-0) have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 16 victories in a row. Salvadorenos at the other side keep the fifth position with eight games lost. San Salvador are looking forward to face Santa Tecla (#7) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Salvadorenos will have a break next round.
The game between Top Four teams took place in . Second ranked host A.Lobos (13-4) defeated 4th placed Santa Ana (10-7) 65-53. American swingman Ajang Aguek (201-2000, college: Lander) nailed a double-double by scoring 23 points, 20 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winning side and Alejandro Quezada accounted for 12 points and 8 assists. American center Marc Montavious (206-1990, college: Georgetown, KY) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 21 rebounds for Santa Ana in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for A.Lobos. They maintain second place with 13-4 record having just two points less than leader San Salvador. Santa Ana at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. A.Lobos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Santa Ana will play at home against Cojute (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 17: Independiente lost to Cojute on the opponent's court 74-79. Metapan outscored Santa Tecla in a home game 95-58. A.Lobos managed to beat Brujos on the road 99-84. Santa Tecla crushed Independiente on its own court 112-88. Bottom-ranked Brujos were beaten by Cojute in Cojutepeque 94-77.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 22 points, 22 rebounds and 4 blocks by Francisco Alvarez of Cojute.



Cojute - Independiente 79-74

Rather expected game in Cojutepeque where 10th ranked Independiente (2-15) was defeated by seventh ranked Cojute (9-9) 79-74. Cojute brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American swingman Shian Bradshaw (194-1995, college: Wake Tech CC) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and guard Aldahir Avalos (185-1996) accounted for 24 points and 5 rebounds. Four Cojute players scored in double figures. American guard Darnell Johnson (201, college: CSUSB) came up with a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 23 rebounds and guard Cesar Gonzalez (-1994) added 20 points, 10 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Independiente in the defeat. Cojute moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Santa Tecla. Independiente lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 15 games lost. Cojute will play against higher ranked Santa Ana (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Independiente will play against Metapan (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Cojute: A.Avalos 24+5reb+2ast, W.Merino 18+4reb+4ast, S.Bradshaw 18+11reb+5ast, J.Flores 10+3reb+4ast, F.Alvarez 9+14reb+2ast, S.Valladares 0
Independiente: D.Johnson 36+23reb+2ast, C.Gonzalez 20+10reb+6ast, M.Amaya 14+1reb, M.Rodriguez 4+3reb+1ast, R.Melendez 0+7reb+1ast, E.Cortez 0

Metapan - Santa Tecla 95-58

Rather predictable result when third ranked Metapan (11-5) smashed at home 7th ranked Santa Tecla (9-9) 95-58. Metapan dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Santa Tecla's 34. American point guard Marquise Mosley (175-1997, college: Biola, CA) nailed 25 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import swingman Andravious Smith (198-1995, college: Tougaloo) accounted for 22 points and 9 rebounds. Four Metapan players scored in double figures. American forward Demaris McNeil (201, college: Johnson, FL) came up with a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 rebounds and forward Alejandro Barahona (189-1999) added 12 points respectively for Santa Tecla in the defeat. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the fourth consecutive win for Metapan. They maintain third place with 11-5 record having five points less than leader San Salvador. Santa Tecla at the other side dropped to the sixth position with nine games lost. They share it with Cojute. Metapan will play against Independiente (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Santa Tecla will play against the league's leader San Salvador (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Metapan: M.Mosley 25+5reb+3ast, A.Smith 22+9reb+2ast, M.Cairo 20+3reb+2ast, C.Lard 10+9reb, E.Contreras 6+5reb+4ast, M.Tejada 4+4reb+1ast
Santa Tecla: A.Barahona 12+4reb+3ast, D.McNeil 10+12reb+2ast, G.Rivas 8+2reb+3ast, D.Daniels 7+5reb+2ast, A.Interiano 7+4reb, J.Maxwell 6+4reb+2ast

Salvadorenos - San Salvador 53-92

The most exciting game was a derby match between two local teams from San Salvador: San Salvador (#1) and Salvadorenos (#5). Salvadorenos were crushed at home by 39 points 53-92 and even the advantage of their own court did not help. San Salvador looked well-organized offensively handing out 28 assists comparing to just 14 passes made by Salvadorenos' players. Cuban forward Yoel Cubillas (204-1994) stepped up and scored 23 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winners and Dominican guard Nargenis Ulloa (182-1997) chipped in 24 points and 9 rebounds. Venezuelan-Colombian center Michael Hinestroza (210-1990, college: UALR) responded with 4 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Diego Rivera (-2007) scored 8 points and 5 rebounds. 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 (16-0) have an impressive series of sixteen victories in a row. They maintain first place with a perfect record of 16 victories in a row. Salvadorenos at the other side keep the fifth position with eight games lost. San Salvador are looking forward to face Santa Tecla (#7) at home in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Salvadorenos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
San Salvador: N.Ulloa 24+9reb+2ast, Y.Cubillas 23+9reb+5ast, M.Menjivar 10+2reb+5ast, B.Garcia 9+9reb+8ast, L.Valle 6+5reb+1ast, E.Escalante 6+1reb+2ast
Salvadorenos: J.Ayala 9+3reb, D.Rivera 8+5reb+2ast, D.Minero 7+2reb, A.Serrano 7+2reb, E.Rodriguez 6+6reb+3ast, I.Traore 5+2reb+2ast

Brujos - A.Lobos 84-99

Not a big story in a game in Izalco where 11th ranked Brujos (2-17) were defeated by second ranked A.Lobos (13-4) 99-84. A.Lobos forced 24 Brujos turnovers. Strangely Brujos outrebounded A.Lobos 50-34 including 37 on the defensive glass. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 27 assists. A.Lobos brought some defensive toughness making 10 blocks. Dominican Alejandro Quezada (195-1995) nailed 37 points (!!!), 5 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!) for the winning side and American swingman Ajang Aguek (201-2000, college: Lander) accounted for 28 points, 11 rebounds, 5 assists and 7 blocks. Four A.Lobos players scored in double figures. American guard DAndre Collins (196, college: Bridgeport) came up with a double-double by scoring 35 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds (was perfect 11-for-11 from the free throw line !!!) and Gustavo Galdamez (190-1996) added 20 points, 13 rebounds and 6 assists respectively for Brujos in the defeat. The victory was the third consecutive win for A.Lobos. They maintain second place with 13-4 record having just two points less than leader San Salvador. Brujos lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 17 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
A.Lobos: A.Quezada 37+5reb+5ast, A.Aguek 28+11reb+5ast, M.Melendez 14+1reb+2ast, E.Rojas 10+6reb+2ast, A.Ortega 8+6reb+10ast, F.Carcamo 2
Brujos: D.Collins 35+14reb+2ast, G.Galdamez 20+13reb+6ast, E.Castro 10+1reb+2ast, W.Chinchilla 6+5reb+2ast, J.Acevedo 6+11reb+1ast, R.Guillen 5+2reb+2ast

Santa Tecla - Independiente 112-88

Everything went according to plan when seventh ranked Santa Tecla (9-9) outscored at home 10th ranked Independiente (2-15) 112-88. Santa Tecla players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. Forward Alejandro Barahona (189-1999) nailed 17 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for the winning side and guard Gerardo Rivas (182-2001) accounted for 23 points. Four Santa Tecla players scored in double figures. Santa Tecla's coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Darnell Johnson (201, college: CSUSB) came up with a double-double by scoring 39 points (!!!) and 17 rebounds and guard Cesar Gonzalez (-1994) added 24 points, 7 rebounds and 9 assists respectively for Independiente in the defeat. Santa Tecla moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Cojute. Independiente lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the tenth position with 15 games lost. Santa Tecla will play against league's leader San Salvador on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Independiente will play against Metapan (#3) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Santa Tecla: D.Daniels 26+1reb, G.Rivas 23+4reb+3ast, A.Barahona 17+9reb+5ast, S.Colmenero 15+3reb+6ast, E.Cornejo 11+2reb+3ast, D.Huezo 6+2reb+2ast
Independiente: D.Johnson 39+17reb+3ast, C.Gonzalez 24+7reb+9ast, M.Rodriguez 9+3reb+1ast, R.Melendez 7+5reb+6ast, V.Mercado 7+3reb+1ast, D.Mineros 2+2reb

A.Lobos - Santa Ana 65-53

The game between Top Four teams took place in . Second ranked host A.Lobos (13-4) defeated 4th placed Santa Ana (10-7) 65-53. A.Lobos forced 24 Santa Ana turnovers. They brought some defensive toughness making 7 blocks. American swingman Ajang Aguek (201-2000, college: Lander) nailed a double-double by scoring 23 points, 20 rebounds and 4 blocks for the winning side and Dominican Alejandro Quezada (195-1995) accounted for 12 points and 8 assists. American center Marc Montavious (206-1990, college: Georgetown, KY) came up with a double-double by scoring 21 points and 21 rebounds and Guatemalan point guard Lee Vasquez (173) added 17 points respectively for Santa Ana in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for A.Lobos. They maintain second place with 13-4 record having just two points less than leader San Salvador. Santa Ana at the other side keeps the fourth position with seven games lost. A.Lobos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Santa Ana will play at home against Cojute (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
A.Lobos: A.Aguek 23+20reb+1ast, A.Ortega 12+2ast, A.Quezada 12+4reb+8ast, M.Melendez 7+5reb+1ast, F.Carcamo 5+5reb+3ast, E.Rojas 4+2reb+1ast
Santa Ana: M.Montavious 21+21reb+2ast, L.Vasquez 17+4reb+3ast, J.Roblejo 4+5reb+1ast, E.Guevara 3+3reb+1ast, S.Gross 3+4reb+2ast, M.Marroquin 2+2reb

Cojute - Brujos 94-77

There was no surprise in Cojutepeque where 11th ranked Brujos (2-17) were defeated by seventh ranked Cojute (9-9) 94-77. Cojute dominated down low during the game scoring 72 of its points in the paint compared to Brujos' 30. They outrebounded Brujos 53-18 including a 37-12 advantage in defensive rebounds. Cojute players were unselfish on offense dishing 24 assists. American swingman Shian Bradshaw (194-1995, college: Wake Tech CC) nailed a double-double by scoring 36 points (!!!) and 14 rebounds for the winning side and Dominican-American Francisco Alvarez (203) accounted for 22 points, 22 rebounds and 4 blocks. Four Cojute players scored in double figures. Cojute's coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard DAndre Collins (196, college: Bridgeport) came up with 38 points (!!!) and 9 rebounds and Gustavo Galdamez (190-1996) added 20 points and 4 assists respectively for Brujos in the defeat. Cojute moved-up to sixth place, which they share with Santa Tecla. Brujos lost their third game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 17 games lost. Cojute will play against higher ranked Santa Ana (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Brujos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Cojute: S.Bradshaw 36+14reb+3ast, F.Alvarez 22+22reb+3ast, W.Merino 11+3reb+6ast, A.Avalos 11+5reb+6ast, J.Flores 5+3reb+4ast, S.Valladares 4+3reb
Brujos: D.Collins 38+9reb+1ast, G.Galdamez 20+2reb+4ast, P.Castro 8+1reb+3ast, R.Guillen 6+1reb+3ast, O.Trejo 3+1reb+3ast, W.Chinchilla 2+2ast