LNBP Round 5 (Regular Season): Astros defeat Lobos

There were just five rounds played in Regular Season of LNBP and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Lobos (3-1) in Guadalajara on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Astros (2-2) 73-64. Astros made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Astros had a 29-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Gage Davis-McMurrin (195-1995, college: St.Cloud St., agency: The Crew A.M.) contributed with 15 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. American guard Shaquille Johnson (191-1990, college: Marshall) answered with 16 points for Lobos. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Astros went down to sixth position due to points difference, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Lobos dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Astros is looking forward to face league's second-placed Abejas in Guanajuato in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lobos will play at home against Soles and are hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Another exciting game for Fuerza Regia (3-1) which played in Aguascalientes against 5th ranked Panteras (2-2). Sixth ranked Fuerza Regia won 82-75. It was a key game for the second position in the league. American players dominated the game. Guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) stepped up and scored 23 points and 5 assists for the winners and Jimond Ivey chipped in 13 points. point guard Jaron Martin (178-1995, college: UC Irvine) responded with 15 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fuerza Regia moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Panteras at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Fuerza Regia will play against Dorados (#3) in Chihuahua in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Panteras will play against Gambusinos and hope to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game was also tough home defeat of 5th ranked Astros in a game in Guadalajara versus Lobos (#6) 79-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Astros. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Michael Myers nailed 12 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side. Yoanki Mencia came up with 12 points and 9 rebounds for Astros in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Lobos (3-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Astros dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Lobos will meet at home Soles (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Astros will play against the league's second-placed Abejas in Guanajuato and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Santos beat Correcaminos on the road 91-78. El Calor lost to Abejas on its own court 85-95. Diablos unfortunately lost to Dorados in Chihuahua 70-86. Bottom-ranked Freseros managed to beat Mineros at home 92-89. Gambusinos were defeated by Soles on the opponent's court 71-57. Dorados were smashed by Diablos in a home game 67-87.



Correcaminos - Santos 78-91:
No shocking result in a game when leader Santos (4-0) beat bottom-ranked Correcaminos (0-4) in Ciudad Victoria 91-78 on Friday. American players dominated also this game. Guard Antonio Woods (185-1995, college: Pennsylvania) nailed 17 points and 6 assists for the winning side and point guard Rayshawn Mart (190-1998, college: Xavier, LA) accounted for 19 points. Mart is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Santos players scored in double figures. Guard Taylor Johnson (193-1994, college: Dartmouth) came up with 22 points and Chance Hunter (198-1998, college: Cal Poly, agency: 0z Sports Agency) added 16 points respectively for Correcaminos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Santos have a solid series of four victories in a row. They keep a position of league leader. Loser Correcaminos still closes the standings with four games lost. Santos will meet at home El Calor (#11) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Correcaminos will play against Mineros in Zacatecas and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Correcaminos: J.Taylor 22+2reb+2ast, C.Hunter 16+2reb+2ast, D.Daniels 11+2reb+1ast, O.Williams 9+3reb+1ast, S.Shane 9+3reb, J.Franklin Jr. 5+2reb
Santos: M.Rayshawn 19+4reb+1ast, W.Antonio 17+3reb+6ast, H.Jermaine 14+4reb+1ast, F.Drame 11+4reb, W.Jared 11+5reb, M.Mitchell 8+6reb+1ast

El Calor - Abejas 85-95:
Very expected game when 10th ranked El Calor (1-3) lost to fifth ranked Abejas (3-1) in Cancun 85-95 on Friday. Puerto Rican guard Giovanni Santiago (185-2000, college: Kent St.) nailed 24 points and 4 assists for the winning side and American forward Justin Winston (203-1999, college: Coppin St.) accounted for 18 points. Forward Francis King (196) came up with 16 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists and American forward JD Miller (203-1996, college: TCU) added 15 points and 11 rebounds respectively for El Calor in the defeat. Four El Calor players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Abejas moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser El Calor keeps the tenth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Abejas will meet at home Astros (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. El Calor will play against the league's leader Santos in San Luis Potosi and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
El Calor: K.Francis 16+6reb+7ast, B.Galloway 15+3ast, J.Miller 15+11reb, W.Ellis 15+5reb+2ast, J.Zarzuela 11+2ast, B.Cingala-Mata 9+7reb+1ast
Abejas: G.Santiago 24+2reb+4ast, J.Winston 18+2reb+2ast, R.Anthony 14+7reb, G.Davonte 10+3reb+1ast, B.A.J. 9+4reb+4ast, M.Deion 9+6reb

Dorados - Diablos 86-70:
Everything could happen in Chihuahua at the game between two tied teams. Both second ranked Dorados and 9th ranked Diablos had identical 2-1 record. This time Dorados used a home court advantage and won against the opponent from 86-70 on Friday night. Dorados looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American players dominated also this game. point guard Will Cherry (185-1991, college: Montana) nailed 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and guard Jaden House (193-2001, college: URI) accounted for 18 points. Trey Drechsel (198-1996, college: GCU, agency: Octagon Europe) came up with 19 points and 7 rebounds and power forward Devon Scott (205-1994, college: Dayton) added 10 points and 10 rebounds respectively for Diablos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Dorados have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain second place with 3-1 record behind leader Santos, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Diablos dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Dorados will meet Fuerza Regia (#4) in the next round. Diablos will play against Freseros and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Diablos: T.Drechsel 19+7reb+3ast, S.Scala 13+1reb+7ast, D.Scott 10+10reb+2ast, C.Abarca Jose 9+3reb+3ast, G.Cosey 7+3reb+2ast, D.Rodrigo 6+9reb+1ast
Dorados: C.JR 19+1ast, H.Jaden 18+4reb+2ast, C.Will 15+7reb+6ast, A.J.J. 9+7reb+4ast, C.Markeith 8+1reb+5ast, S.Ray 8+5reb+3ast

Freseros - Mineros 92-89:
There was a minor upset when higher ranked Mineros (1-3) were edged by fourteenth ranked Freseras (1-3) in Irapuato 92-89 on Friday. Spanish-Venezuelan swingman Franger Pirela (187-2002) nailed 16 points, 9 rebounds and 7 assists for the winning side and American forward Kyson Rose (206, college: Idaho) accounted for 22 points and 6 rebounds. Five Freseras players scored in double figures. Venezuelan forward Anyelo Cisneros (200-1997) came up with 17 points and Argentinian point guard Joaquin Valinotti (185-1998) added 14 points and 5 assists respectively for Mineros in the defeat. Mineros' coach Facundo Muller tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Freseras left bottom position moving up to tenth place, which they share with 3 other teams including defeated Mineros. Freseros will meet higher ranked Diablos (#9) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mineros will play against Correcaminos and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Mineros: A.Cisneros 17+4reb+3ast, R.Ferguson 15+5reb+2ast, J.Valinotti 14+3reb+5ast, D.Smith 9+1reb+6ast, D.Lucas 9+4reb+4ast, T.Miller 9+2reb+1ast
Freseros: G.Billy 23+1reb+1ast, R.Kyson 22+6reb+3ast, B.Zach 17+1reb+4ast, P.Franger 16+9reb+7ast, J.Gatluak 10+6reb+2ast, C.Gutierrez 2

Soles - Gambusinos 71-57:
Everything could happen in Mexicali at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked Soles and 10th ranked Gambusinos had identical 1-2 record. This time Soles used a home court advantage and defeated the opponent from 71-57 on Friday night. Brazilian guard Guilherme Deodato (192-1991) nailed 13 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and American guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) accounted for 8 points and 5 assists. American point guard Lester Medford Jr (184-1993, college: Baylor, agency: BIG) came up with 23 points and the other American import forward Kiandre Gaddy (198-2001, college: Tarleton St., agency: BIG) added 10 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Gambusinos in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Soles (2-2) moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Gambusinos lost third consecutive game. They keep the tenth position with three games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Soles will meet higher ranked Lobos (#5) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Gambusinos will play against Panteras (#6) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Gambusinos: L.Medford Jr. 23+2reb, K.Gaddy 10+9reb+1ast, T.Cooper 9+3reb, T.Daniels 6+7reb, J.Matos 5+3reb, C.Alaekwe 2+5reb+1ast
Soles: D.Guilherme 13+5reb+4ast, T.Erik 11+3reb+1ast, Z.Connor 10+4reb, S.Jordan 8+7reb, W.Joshua 8+3reb+5ast, C.Juan 6+3reb

Astros - Lobos 73-64:
The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Lobos (3-1) in Guadalajara on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by fifth ranked Astros (2-2) 73-64. Astros made 22-of-29 free shots (75.9 percent) during the game. Astros had a 29-18 advantage in offensive rebounds. American-Filipino forward Eugene Phelps (198-1990, college: LBSU) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points and 5 rebounds. American guard Gage Davis-McMurrin (195-1995, college: St.Cloud St., agency: The Crew A.M.) contributed with 15 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Astros players scored in double figures. American guard Shaquille Johnson (191-1990, college: Marshall) answered with 16 points and the other American import guard Elias King (203-2000, college: MTSU) added 17 points and 6 rebounds in the effort for Lobos. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Despite that victory Astros went down to sixth position due to points difference, which they share with 3 other teams. Newly promoted Lobos dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with 3 other teams. Astros is looking forward to face league's second-placed Abejas in Guanajuato in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Lobos will play at home against Soles and are hoping to prove to their supporters that the loss was just an accident.
Top scorers:
Lobos: E.King 17+6reb, S.Johnson 16+4reb+3ast, C.Tekele 8+4reb+4ast, D.Willis 8, C.Williams 4+5reb+1ast, I.Montano 4+1reb
Astros: P.Eugene 17+5reb+2ast, D.Gage 15+4reb, S.A.J. 10+4reb+2ast, M.Yoanki 10+3reb+2ast, A.Moises 7+1reb+3ast, C.Francisco 5+4reb+2ast

Panteras - Fuerza Regia 75-82:
Another exciting game for Fuerza Regia (3-1) which played in Aguascalientes against 5th ranked Panteras (2-2). Sixth ranked Fuerza Regia won 82-75. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Fuerza Regia made 19-of-25 charity shots (76.0 percent) during the game. American players dominated the game. Guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) stepped up and scored 23 points and 5 assists for the winners and guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) chipped in 13 points. point guard Jaron Martin (178-1995, college: UC Irvine) responded with 15 points and Ahmed Hill (196-1995, college: Virginia Tech) scored 12 points and 4 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fuerza Regia moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Panteras at the other side dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Fuerza Regia will play against Dorados (#3) in Chihuahua in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Panteras will play against Gambusinos and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Panteras: J.Martin 15+4reb+1ast, A.Hill 12+3reb+4ast, S.Willett 10+2reb, J.Billingsley 8+5reb+1ast, D.Williamson 8+1reb, M.McIntosh 6+2reb+1ast
Fuerza Regia: H.Avry 23+4reb+5ast, J.Ivey 13+3reb+1ast, L.Wayne 10+3reb+1ast, H.Deshone 8+4reb+3ast, B.Daniel 7+5reb+4ast, J.Fabian 6+7reb

Dorados - Diablos 67-87:
There was an upset when second-ranked Dorados (3-1) were outleveled by ninth ranked Diablos (2-2) in Chihuahua 87-67 on Saturday. The guests trailed by 3 points after first quarter, but they stormed back to get the 13-point lead at the halftime and eventually won the game 87-67. Diablos outrebounded Dorados 45-30 including a 36-24 advantage in defensive rebounds. Diablos looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American power forward Devon Scott (205-1994, college: Dayton) nailed a double-double by scoring 15 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import Trey Drechsel (198-1996, college: GCU, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 18 points and 6 rebounds. Four Diablos players scored in double figures. Diablos' coach used an eleven-player rotation saving starting five for next games. International JJ Avila (203-1991, college: Colorado St.) came up with a double-double by scoring 23 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists and American forward Ray Spalding (208-1997, college: Louisville, agency: Diamond Sports) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Dorados in the defeat. Diablos moved-up to sixth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Dorados keep the second position with one game lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Diablos will meet at home Freseros (#13) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Dorados will play against Fuerza Regia (#4) in Monterrey and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Dorados: J.Avila 23+11reb+5ast, R.Spalding 12+6reb+3ast, M.Cummings 12+3reb, J.Clay 6+2reb+6ast, J.House 5+1reb+1ast, W.Cherry 4+3reb+5ast
Diablos: D.Trey 18+6reb+2ast, D.Yan 17+6reb+2ast, S.Devon 15+12reb+4ast, C.Glenn 12+4reb+9ast, B.Cardoso 7+7reb+2ast, A.Cruz 7+5reb+1ast

Astros - Lobos 71-79:
An interesting game was also tough home defeat of 5th ranked Astros in a game in Guadalajara versus Lobos (#6) 79-71. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Astros. It was a key game for the second position in the league. American forward Michael Myers (206-1992, college: UMES, agency: Diamond Sports) nailed 12 points and 5 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import swingman Adrio Bailey (197-1997, college: Arkansas) accounted for 14 points. Five Lobos players scored in double figures. Cuban forward Yoanki Mencia (198-1997) came up with 12 points and 9 rebounds and American-Polish AJ Slaughter (191-1987, college: WKU) added 15 points respectively for Astros in the defeat. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Lobos (3-1) moved-up to second place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Astros dropped to the sixth position with two games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Lobos will meet at home Soles (#8) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Astros will play against the league's second-placed Abejas in Guanajuato and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Astros: A.Slaughter 15+2reb+1ast, Y.Mencia 12+9reb, P.Bombino 11+4reb+2ast, M.Andriassi 8+1reb+2ast, E.Phelps 7+2reb+1ast, J.Ascanio 5+4reb
Lobos: B.Adrio 14+3reb, M.Michael 12+5reb+2ast, K.Elias 11+2reb+2ast, T.Cotton 11+1reb+2ast, B.Luzcando 10+1reb+4ast, D.Tyran 10+2reb+1ast