CIBACOPA Round 11: Pioneros Los Mochis beat Astros by three after a very close game

Kwame Alexander

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most exciting game of round 11 in the CIBACOPA took place in Guadalajara. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of second-ranked Astros (14-8) to seventh ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (8-14) 91-88 on Wednesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. 25 personal fouls committed by Astros helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American players dominated the game. Power forward Kwame Alexander (201-1990, college: CSUSB, agency: BIG) orchestrated the victory with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Kennedy Jones (188-1989, college: Arlington Baptist) contributed with 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. Guard Shamorie Ponds (185-1998, college: St.John's) answered with 18 points and 8 assists for Astros. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Pioneros Los Mochis maintains seventh place with 8-14 record. Newly promoted Astros keep the second position with eight games lost. Pioneros Los Mochis are looking forward to face higher ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (#4) on the road in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Astros will play against Caballeros de Culiacan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Mazatlan. Sixth ranked Venados (10-12) saved a 2-point victory at home edging 4th placed Tijuana Zonkeys (10-12) 96-94 in the game for the fourth place. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. American players dominated also this game. It was a great evening for guard Jeff Ledbetter (191-1988, college: Idaho, agency: Slash Sports) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 18 points, 13 rebounds and 7 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line). Alex Kaye Williams helped adding 26 points and 5 rebounds. Anthony Young (200-1989, college: KWC) responded with 23 points and 6 rebounds. Venados moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Tijuana and Guaymas. Venados will play against bottom-ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (#8) at home in the next round. Tijuana Zonkeys will play against Pioneros Los Mochis (#7) and hope to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Ciudad Obregon between Ostioneros de Guaymas and Halcones de Ciudad Obregon. Sixth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (10-12) got a very close victory on the road over 8th ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (6-16). Ostioneros de Guaymas managed to escape with a 3-point win 114-111 on Wednesday evening. Americans were the main players on the court. It was an exceptional evening for Dylan Smith who led the winners and scored 34 points (!!!), 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Jimmy Whitt came up with a double-double by scoring 27 points, 9 rebounds and 10 assists for Halcones de Ciudad Obregon in the defeat. Both coaches tested many bench players in such tough game. Ostioneros de Guaymas moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Tijuana and Mazatlan. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon at the other side stay at the bottom position with 16 games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will meet at home league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon will play against Venados (#6) in Mazatlan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 11: Los Mochis was beaten by Astros on the road 104-88. Mazatlan lost to Tijuana on its own court 85-95. Culiacan unfortunately lost to Hermosillo in a road game 86-92. Bottom-ranked Obregon managed to beat Guaymas at home 92-78. Culiacan were defeated by Hermosillo on the opponent's court 87-74.