LMBPF Round 5 of Regular Season

Simone Westbrook

Here is the last round review presented by LBM Management.

First defeat of league's leader Quetzales (4-1) against fifth ranked Mieleras (4-1) 87-75 was the most important game of the last round. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Quetzales. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Mieleras made 18-of-20 free shots (90.0 percent) during the game. They also forced 27 Quetzales turnovers. Strangely Quetzales outrebounded Mieleras 45-28 including 16 on the offensive glass. American guard Simone Westbrook (173, college: Clemson) orchestrated the victory by scoring 12 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. The former international guard Brisa Silva (170-84, college: Oklahoma St.) contributed with 13 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Mieleras' coach Jose Villegas used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Karen Ramirez answered with a double-double by scoring 23 points and 10 rebounds for Quetzales. Defending champion keeps a position of league leader, which they share with Quetzales and Marineras. Quetzales will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest and make it back to the top of the standings. Mieleras will try to continue on its current victory against third ranked Quetzales in Ciudad de Mexico.
Important game to mention about took place in Puerto Vallarta. Fourth ranked Marineras (4-1) saved a 1-point victory at home edging second-ranked Barreteras (3-2) 71-70 on Saturday evening. It was a key game for the top position in the league. The former international forward Karen Ruiz stepped up and scored 32 points for the winners and Shauqunna Collins chipped in 12 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Marineras' coach O Casella allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international swingman Alexis Castro (180-86, college: Vermont) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 11 rebounds. Marineras keep a position of league leader, which they share with Mieleras and Quetzales. Barreteras at the other side dropped to the fifth place with two games lost. They share the position with Lobas. Marineras will again play against Barreteras (#5) in Zacatecas in the next round. Barreteras will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Gladiadoras is still unable to win any game. This time they lost on the road their fifth consecutive match to eighth ranked Mustangs (2-3) 111-58 on Saturday evening. Ana Bernal nailed a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Coach Oscar Espitia's team controlled all game and the coach could let to play all 12 players and allowed the starting five to rest. Katia Mendoza came up with 21 points and 9 rebounds for Gladiadoras in the defeat. Mustangs moved-up to seventh place. Gladiadoras at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings with five games lost. They share the position with Reales. Mustangs will again meet at home Gladiadoras (#9) in the next round. Gladiadoras will have a break next round.
Bottom-ranked Reales is still unable to win any game. This time they could not use their home court advantage losing their fifth consecutive match to sixth ranked Lobas (3-2) 95-54. The best player for the winners was Paola Beltran who scored 20 points. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Lobas moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Barreteras. Reales at the other side, also newcomer in the league, still closes the standings with five games lost. Lobas will have a break next round. Reales will play again at home against Lobas (#6) and hope to get finally their first victory.

The most impressive performance of 5th round was 19 points and 10 rebounds by Kenyotta Jenkins of Reales.

The Round Review is presented by LBM Management. LBM Management is a full service agency focused on Women's basketball sphere and working in more that 20 countries. Agency LBM is animated by agents having official FIBA licenses.