LNBP Round 35: Soles defeat Santos in the closest game of the week

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 ESL.

Seventh-ranked Santos (11-20) gave a tough game to first ranked Soles (26-7) in Mexicali on Thursday. Soles managed to secure only two-point victory 94-92. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Santos. Soles made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 24 Santos turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for international guard Luke Martinez (193-90, college: Wyoming, agency: Pro Sports) who led his team to a victory with a triple-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. American-Dominican Antonio Pena (204-86, college: Villanova) helped adding 13 points and 5 rebounds. Soles' coach used entire bench in such tough game. American center BJ West (211-89, college: Jackson St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds. Soles have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 26-7 record. Santos at the other side keep the seventh position with 20 games lost. Soles are again looking forward to face Santos (#7) in San Luis Potosi in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Santos will have a break next round.
Very important is a home loss of second ranked Dorados (23-10) against sixth ranked Plateados (16-19) on Thursday night. Host Dorados were defeated by Plateados in a tough game in Chihuahua 69-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Dorados. It was an exceptional evening for Egyptian-American center Omar Samhan (211-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Adrian Uter accounted for 15 points and 8 rebounds. Dominican point guard Juan-Miguel Suero (198-93) came up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists for Dorados in the defeat. Newly promoted Plateados maintains sixth place with 16-19 record. Dorados at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keep the second position with ten games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia. Plateados will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dorados will play again at home against Plateados and hope to get back on the winning track.
The game between Top Four teams took place in Mexico. Second-ranked host Capitanes (21-9) were smashed by third ranked Panteras (21-11) 106-81. The best player for the winners was Alexander Abreu who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 assists. Panteras' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Emmanuel Andujar produced 17 points and 6 assists for the hosts. Panteras have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 21-11 record having six points less than leader Mineros. Loser Capitanes keep the second position with nine games lost. Panteras will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Capitanes will play again against Panteras and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Guanajuato was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lenadores (18-16) played at the court of 6th ranked Abejas (14-15). Lenadores did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 109-92. Reynaldo Garcia orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 6 steals. Lenadores' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. Lenadores moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Huracanes. Abejas lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 15 games lost. Lenadores will have a break next round. Abejas will play again at home against Lenadores (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

In the last two games of round 35 Libertadores were destroyed by Aaguacateros on the opponent's court 115-94. Angeles unfortunately lost to Astros in a home game 87-105.

Aaguacateros - Libertadores 115-94

Very expected game in Michoacan where 8th ranked Libertadores (11-22) were crushed by fourth ranked Aaguacateros (20-13) 115-94. Aaguacateros shot 61.1 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three nailing 16 long-distance shots on high 51.6 percentage. Aaguacateros players were unselfish on offense dishing 31 assists comparing to just 18 passes made by Libertadores' players. Swingman Manuel Hernandez (193-91) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). American swingman Rodney Green (196-88, college: La Salle) contributed with 17 points and 5 assists for the winners. Coach 's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play 11 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American-Dominican forward Justin Satchell (203, college: St.Leo) answered with 26 points and naturalized American swingman PJ Reyes (196-88, college: Charleston) added 24 points and 4 assists in the effort for Libertadores. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Aaguacateros maintains fourth place with 20-13 record. Libertadores lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 22 games lost. Aaguacateros' next round opponent will be again Libertadores (#8) in Queretaro.
Top scorers:
Libertadores: J.Satchell 26+4reb+2ast, P.Reyes 24+3reb+4ast, I.Avalos 21+4reb+1ast, M.Ramirez 12+7reb+3ast, R.Barreno 9+7reb+4ast, A.Agau 2+7reb+3ast
Aaguacateros: M.Hernandez 22+4reb+3ast, J.Meyinsse 19+5reb+2ast, R.Green 17+4reb+5ast, A.Solares 11+3reb+2ast, A.Holmes 11+6reb+3ast, D.Sims 9+3reb+5ast

Angeles - Astros 87-105

Rather predictable result in Puebla where fifth ranked Astros (19-14) defeated 9th ranked Angeles (2-30) 105-87. They outrebounded Angeles 46-30 including 32 on the defensive glass. Astros players were unselfish on offense dishing 28 assists. American-Puerto Rican Ramon Clemente (200-85, college: Wichita St.) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). American-Puerto Rican Devon Collier (203-91, college: Oregon St.) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Four Astros players scored in double figures. Astros' coach let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. American point guard Oscar Limon (180-98, college: Grossmont CC) answered with 24 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward William Green (201-91, college: Stetson) added 12 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists in the effort for Angeles. Newly promoted Astros maintains fifth place with 19-14 record. Angeles at the other side keep the ninth position with 30 games lost. Astros will have a break next round. Angeles will play again at home against Astros (#5) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Angeles: O.Limon 24+2reb+5ast, E.Herrera 14+1reb+1ast, W.Green 12+10reb+4ast, Y.Manuel 10+1reb, A.Grant 9+4reb+2ast, G.Chavez 7+5reb
Astros: K.Scott 21+2ast, R.Clemente 17+7reb+5ast, A.Daniel Vassallo 17+7reb+1ast, D.Collier 16+7reb+2ast, R.Nelson 10+1reb+2ast, J.Israel Gutierrez 7+10reb+2ast

Abejas - Lenadores 92-109

The game in Guanajuato was also worth to mention about. Fifth ranked Lenadores (18-16) played at the court of 6th ranked Abejas (14-15). Lenadores did not have too big problems and got a relatively easy victory 109-92. Lenadores dominated down low during the game scoring 52 of its points in the paint compared to Abejas' 32. They outrebounded Abejas 39-26 including 26 on the defensive glass. Lenadores players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Cuban guard Reynaldo Garcia (187-90) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 30 points, 6 rebounds, 11 assists and 6 steals. American center Chris Daniels (205-84, college: Texas A&M-CC) contributed with a double-double by scoring 16 points and 12 rebounds for the winners. Lenadores' coach allowed to play the deep bench players saving starting five for next games. American guard Spencer Williams (188-95, college: Wooster) answered with 20 points and 6 assists and American-Puerto Rican point guard Marcus Fillyaw (185-94, college: Ky Wesleyan, agency: Paris Global Sports) added 12 points, 8 rebounds and 8 assists in the effort for Abejas. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Lenadores moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Huracanes. Abejas lost sixth consecutive game. They keep the sixth position with 15 games lost. Lenadores will have a break next round. Abejas will play again at home against Lenadores (#4) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Abejas: T.Sanchez 23+1reb+4ast, S.Williams 20+3reb+6ast, P.Thomas 13+2reb+3ast, M.Fillyaw 12+8reb+8ast, M.Kegler 11+3reb+1ast, A.Alamo 10+8reb+2ast
Lenadores: R.Garcia 30+6reb+11ast, W.Decensae 18+6reb+1ast, C.Daniels 16+12reb+2ast, B.Santiago 14+5reb+2ast, L.Davis 12+1reb+3ast, A.Roberson 11+3reb+1ast

Soles - Santos 94-92

Seventh-ranked Santos (11-20) gave a tough game to first ranked Soles (26-7) in Mexicali on Thursday. Soles managed to secure only two-point victory 94-92. However their fans expected much easier game. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Santos. Soles made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. They also forced 24 Santos turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a great evening for international guard Luke Martinez (193-90, college: Wyoming, agency: Pro Sports) who led his team to a victory with a triple-double by scoring 21 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and 4 steals. American-Dominican Antonio Pena (204-86, college: Villanova) helped adding 13 points and 5 rebounds. Soles' coach used entire bench in such tough game. American center BJ West (211-89, college: Jackson St.) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 19 rebounds and Barry Chinedu (193-94) scored 23 points. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Soles have a solid series of four victories in a row. They maintain first place with 26-7 record. Santos at the other side keep the seventh position with 20 games lost. Soles are again looking forward to face Santos (#7) in San Luis Potosi in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Santos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Santos: C.Barry 23+4reb+1ast, B.West 17+19reb+3ast, M.Dicent 16+4reb+6ast, H.Esparza 14+8reb+2ast, W.Rodriguez 14+10reb+2ast, J.Emmanuel Pierre-Charles 4+3reb+1ast
Soles: L.Martinez 21+10reb+10ast, A.Pena 13+5reb+1ast, W.Daniels 11+6reb+2ast, J.David Estrada 10+4reb, A.Parker 10+4ast, C.Reyes 9+3reb

Capitanes - Panteras 81-106

The game between Top Four teams took place in Mexico. Second-ranked host Capitanes (21-9) were smashed by third ranked Panteras (21-11) 106-81. They made 20-of-25 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Panteras looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was Puerto Rican point guard Alexander Abreu (180-91, college: W.Georgia) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 assists. American guard Gary Ricks (185-91, college: Drake) chipped in 18 points. Four Panteras players scored in double figures. Panteras' coach felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American-Puerto Rican forward Emmanuel Andujar (198-93, college: Manhattan) produced 17 points and 6 assists and American forward Joel James (208-94, college: UNC) added 20 points and 5 rebounds (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field) respectively for the hosts. Panteras have a solid series of three victories in a row. They maintain third place with 21-11 record having six points less than leader Mineros. Loser Capitanes keep the second position with nine games lost. Panteras will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Capitanes will play again against Panteras and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Capitanes: J.James 20+5reb+1ast, E.Andujar 17+3reb+6ast, C.Rodriguez 12+2reb+1ast, R.Delgado 9+2reb+3ast, H.Hernandez 8+5reb+1ast, M.Andriassi 5+3reb+2ast
Panteras: G.Ricks 18+2reb+3ast, A.Villanueva 17+2reb+1ast, S.Logwood 16+7reb, B.Puckett 15+5reb+1ast, A.Abreu 13+3reb+10ast, J.Rodriguez 9+2reb+2ast

Dorados - Plateados 69-76

Very important is a home loss of second ranked Dorados (23-10) against sixth ranked Plateados (16-19) on Thursday night. Host Dorados were defeated by Plateados in a tough game in Chihuahua 69-76. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Dorados. Plateados made 18-of-23 charity shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Dorados 37-26 including 29 on the defensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for Egyptian-American center Omar Samhan (211-88, college: St.Mary's, CA) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 18 points and 10 rebounds. Jamaican-American power forward Adrian Uter (201-84, college: Hofstra, agency: BeoBasket) accounted for 15 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side. Four Plateados players scored in double figures. Dominican point guard Juan-Miguel Suero (198-93) came up with 19 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists and international forward Machado Jonatan (200-93) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Dorados in the defeat. Newly promoted Plateados maintains sixth place with 16-19 record. Dorados at the other side, also newcomer in the league, keep the second position with ten games lost. They share it with Fuerza Regia. Plateados will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dorados will play again at home against Plateados and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Dorados: J.Miguel Suero 19+6reb+5ast, M.Jonatan 12+6reb+2ast, A.Zamora 10+2reb+2ast, C.Williams 9+3reb, I.Wilkerson 7+3reb+3ast, J.Martin 5+2reb+3ast
Plateados: O.Samhan 18+10reb+1ast, A.Uter 15+8reb+1ast, G.Diaz 13+3reb+3ast, G.Clavell 10+7reb+4ast, F.Rivera 7+3reb+1ast, M.Helton 6+3reb+1ast



Tags : LUKE MARTINEZ, SOLES DE MEXICALI, MEXICAN BASKETBALL