CIBACOPA Round 16: Leader Rayos de Hermosillo loses to Halcones de Ciudad Obregon

Jimmy Whitt

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (26-6) recorded its sixth loss at the home court on Monday night. Hosts were defeated by eighth ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (10-22) 105-97. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon made 23-of-29 free shots (79.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Jimmy Whitt (190-1997, college: Arkansas, agency: Interperformances) fired a double-double by scoring 22 points, 8 rebounds and 12 assists for the winners. Forward Tony Farmer (201-1994, college: Lee JC) chipped in 26 points and 12 rebounds. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon's coach Martin Knezevic used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) produced a double-double by scoring 14 points, 5 rebounds and 15 assists for lost side. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon maintains eighth position with 10-22 record. Rayos de Hermosillo at the other side still keeps top place with six games lost. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon are looking forward to face higher ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (#6) at home in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Rayos de Hermosillo will play against Ostioneros de Guaymas (#7) and is hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Guadalajara. Second ranked Astros (18-14) saved a 1-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Venados (17-15) 87-86 in the game for the second place. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Venados. The game was also dominated by American players. Worth to mention a great performance of forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) who helped to win the game recording 19 points. Lagerald Vick contributed with 10 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists for the winners. Center Alonzo Stafford (200-1993, college: CCC) replied with 25 points and 8 rebounds for Venados. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Newly promoted Astros maintains second position with 18-14 record having eight points less than leader Hermosillo. Venados at the other side keep the third place with 15 games lost. Astros will play against Tijuana Zonkeys (#5) on the road in the next round. Venados will play against Caballeros de Culiacan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Los Mochis between Tijuana Zonkeys and Pioneros Los Mochis. Fifth ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (16-16) got a very close victory on the road over 6th ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (13-19). Tijuana Zonkeys managed to escape with a 1-point win 77-76 on Monday evening. Worth to mention a great performance of Edgar Garibay who helped to win the game recording 23 points and 8 rebounds. At the losing side Kwame Alexander responded with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds. Pioneros Los Mochis' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Tijuana Zonkeys have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to fourth place, which they share with Culiacan. Loser Pioneros Los Mochis keep the sixth position with 19 games lost. Tijuana Zonkeys will meet at home league's second-placed Astros in the next round and it may be the game of the week. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 16 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Mazatlan defeated Astros in a road game 91-85. Culiacan beat Guaymas at home 89-81. Tijuana lost to Los Mochis on the opponent's court 99-100. Hermosillo managed to outperform Obregon in a home game 88-83. Guaymas managed to beat Culiacan on the road 91-86.
The best stats of 16th round was 21 points and 9 rebounds by Antwon Lillard of Guaymas.