LNBP Round 5: Halcones UV Xalapa defeat Libertadores

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Libertadores (6-4) on the court of third ranked Halcones UV Xalapa on Tuesday night. Visitors were edged by Halcones UV Xalapa 88-85. They made 26-of-31 free shots (83.9 percent) during the game. American guard Shaquille Johnson (191-1990, college: Marshall) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Panamanian forward Tony Bishop (202-1989, college: Texas St., agency: 011 Sports) contributed with 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. American guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) answered with 16 points and 5 assists for Libertadores. Libertadores' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Halcones UV Xalapa (8-2) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Astros. Libertadores at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. They share it with Santos and Abejas. Halcones UV Xalapa is looking forward to face Abejas (#4) in Guanajuato in the next round. Libertadores will play at home against Mineros and are hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Xalapa. Third ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (8-2) saved a 1-point victory at home edging leader Libertadores (6-4) 79-78 on Wednesday evening. American guard Shaquille Johnson (191-1990, college: Marshall) stepped up and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Alexander Abreu chipped in 11 points and 7 assists. American-DR Congolese center Emmanuel Wembi (205-1997, college: Lenoir-Rhyne) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Libertadores' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Halcones UV Xalapa. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Astros. Libertadores at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. They share it with Santos and Abejas. Halcones UV Xalapa will play against Abejas (#4) in Guanajuato in the next round. Libertadores will play at home against Mineros and hope to get back on the winning track.
A very close game took place in Guanajuato between Santos and Abejas. Third ranked Santos (6-4) got a very close victory on the road over 4th placed Abejas (6-4). Santos managed to escape with a 2-point win 83-81 in the game for the first place. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Adonys Henriquez nailed 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Santos' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Joseph Soto came up with 15 points and 7 assists for Abejas in the defeat. Santos keep a position of league leader, which they share with Libertadores and Abejas. Santos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Abejas will play against Halcones UV Xalapa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 5: Soles were smashed by Dorados on the road 83-57. Winless Freseras were destroyed by Halc.Rojos on its own court 68-107. Plateros unfortunately lost to Fuerza Regia in Monterrey 72-87. Mineros managed to beat Correcaminos at home 92-85. Astros were defeated by Panteras on the opponent's court 77-81. Dorados were beaten by Soles in a home game 61-77. Halc.Rojos won against Freseras on the road 95-84. Fuerza Regia outscored Plateros on its own court 83-63. Correcaminos were rolled over Mineros in Zacatecas 103-67. Panteras lost to defending champion Astros at home 93-103. Santos were beaten by Abejas on the opponent's court 77-91.
The most impressive performance of 5th round was 17 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by Omar De Haro of Santos.



Dorados - Soles 83-57

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Dorados (5-5) crushed 6th ranked Soles (3-7) in Chihuahua 83-57 on Tuesday. They outrebounded Soles 37-20 including 29 on the defensive glass. American-Filipino guard Mikh McKinney (184-1992, college: Sacramento St.) nailed 22 points for the winning side and American guard Cleveland Thomas (192-1993, college: WKU, agency: Slash Sports) accounted for 10 points and 7 assists. Five Dorados players scored in double figures. Dominican Donte Clark came up with 14 points and U.S. Virgin Islands-Puerto Rican forward Ivan Aska (201-1990, college: Murray St., agency: 011 Sports) added 12 points respectively for Soles in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Dorados maintains third place with 5-5 record having four points less than leader Libertadores, which they share with 3 other teams. Soles lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the fifth position with seven games lost. They share it with Plateros. Dorados will meet Plateros (#5) in the next round. Soles will play against Freseras and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Soles: C.Donte 14+3reb+3ast, I.Aska 12+2reb+2ast, J.Carter 9+4reb+2ast, A.Smith 6+5reb+1ast, E.Garcia 4+2reb+3ast, J.Febres 4+2reb+1ast
Dorados: M.McKinney 22+1reb+2ast, A.Castillo 14+7reb, D.Hawkins 11+9reb+1ast, C.Thomas 10+4reb+7ast, E.Thompson 10+5reb+1ast, T.Allen 6+5reb+2ast

Freseras - Halc.Rojos 68-107

Rather expected game when bottom-ranked Freseras (0-10) were smashed by fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (5-5) in Irapuato 107-68 on Tuesday. Halcones Rojos shot 65.5 percent from the field. Halcones Rojos had a 34-22 advantage in offensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 58.3 percentage. American point guard Quade Green (183-1998, college: Washington, agency: Octagon Europe) nailed 15 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists (on 6-of-7 shooting from the field) for the winning side and Bahamas forward Tavario Miller (203-1994, college: Texas A&M) accounted for 18 points and 5 rebounds. Miller is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Halcones Rojos players scored in double figures. American Nick Faust (198-1993, college: LBSU) came up with 17 points and swingman Manuel Hernandez (193-1991) added 15 points and 5 steals respectively for Freseras in the defeat. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Halcones Rojos moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Freseras lost their tenth game in a row. They still close the standings with ten games lost. Halcones Rojos will meet at home Panteras (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Freseras will play against Soles (#6) in Mexicali and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Freseras: N.Faust 17+4reb+3ast, K.Whitney 15+2reb, M.Hernandez 15+4reb+1ast, M.Dunbar 8+3reb, J.James 6+6reb, A.Lillard 3+3reb+2ast
Halc.Rojos: E.Crawford 20+3reb, T.Miller 18+5reb+1ast, Q.Green 15+6reb+6ast, I.Hamilton 14+4reb+3ast, J.Davis 13+1reb+2ast, A.Villanueva 11+1reb

Fuerza Regia - Plateros 87-72

Rather predictable result when first ranked Fuerza Regia (9-1) won against 5th ranked Plateros (3-7) in Monterrey 87-72 on Tuesday. Fuerza Regia forced 21 Plateros turnovers. Strangely Plateros outrebounded Fuerza Regia 44-23 including a 20-8 advantage in offensive rebounds. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists comparing to just 5 passes made by Plateros' players. American Shonn Miller (201-1993, college: UConn) nailed 18 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winning side and his fellow American import guard Daniel Bejarano (193-1991, college: Colorado St.) accounted for 12 points and 6 assists. Four Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. Nigerian-American power forward Gani Lawal (206-1988, college: Georgia Tech) came up with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 14 rebounds and American point guard Tu Holloway (183-1989, college: Xavier) added 23 points respectively for Plateros in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Fuerza Regia. They maintain first place with 9-1 record. Loser Plateros keep the fifth position with seven games lost. They share it with Soles. Fuerza Regia will meet Correcaminos (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Plateros will play against Dorados and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Plateros: T.Holloway 23+4reb+1ast, G.Lawal 15+14reb, D.Huertas 12+5reb+1ast, J.Wilson 8+3reb, D.White 7+5reb, I.Avalos 4+7reb+1ast
Fuerza Regia: S.Miller 18+3reb, D.Bejarano 12+2reb+6ast, E.Clark 11+2reb+2ast, P.Stoll 11+2reb+7ast, J.Grant 9+3reb+1ast, G.Giron 8+3reb+1ast

Halc.Xalapa - Libertadores 88-85

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Libertadores (6-4) on the court of third ranked Halcones UV Xalapa on Tuesday night. Visitors were edged by Halcones UV Xalapa 88-85. They made 26-of-31 free shots (83.9 percent) during the game. American guard Shaquille Johnson (191-1990, college: Marshall) orchestrated the victory by scoring 27 points and 5 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Panamanian forward Tony Bishop (202-1989, college: Texas St., agency: 011 Sports) contributed with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 11 rebounds for the winners. Four Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. American guard Avry Holmes (185-1994, college: Clemson) answered with 16 points and 5 assists and the other American import forward Bennie Boatwright (208-1996, college: USC) added 16 points in the effort for Libertadores. Libertadores' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Halcones UV Xalapa (8-2) have an impressive series of seven victories in a row. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Astros. Libertadores at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. They share it with Santos and Abejas. Halcones UV Xalapa is looking forward to face Abejas (#4) in Guanajuato in the next round. Libertadores will play at home against Mineros and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Libertadores: B.Boatwright 16+3reb+1ast, A.Holmes 16+4reb+5ast, B.Frazier 10+1reb+4ast, T.Armstrong 9+4ast, M.Henry 8+3reb+2ast, J.Quintana 8+3reb
Halc.Xalapa: S.Johnson 27+5reb+1ast, T.Bishop 13+11reb+2ast, J.Israel-Gutierrez 11+5reb, D.Thomas 10+3reb+5ast, J.Keenan 9+6reb, A.Abreu 8+2reb+3ast

Mineros - Correcaminos 92-85

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 7th ranked Correcaminos' (1-9) road loss to sixth ranked Mineros (5-5) in Zacatecas 85-92 on Tuesday. Mineros looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American guard Skyler Hogan (196-1997, college: SEMO, agency: Pro Sports) nailed 22 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side and his fellow American import power forward Franklin Hassell (203-1988, college: ODU) accounted for 13 points and 11 rebounds. Mineros' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Puerto Rican guard Ismael Cruz (190-2001, college: Indian Hills) came up with 29 points and 4 assists and Brazilian center Joao Franca (215-1998) added 13 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Correcaminos in the defeat. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Mineros moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Correcaminos lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with nine games lost. Mineros will meet league's leader Libertadores in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Correcaminos will play against the league's leader Fuerza Regia (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Correcaminos: I.Cruz 29+1reb+4ast, J.Franca 13+8reb+2ast, V.Johnson 12+7reb+2ast, G.Vazquez 10+4reb, E.Giron 8+1reb+3ast, J.Zesati 6+7reb+4ast
Mineros: S.Hogan 22+9reb+4ast, C.Perry 13+8reb, F.Hassell 13+11reb+1ast, T.White 10+4reb+5ast, A.Luis 9+2reb+5ast, A.Jackson 7+2reb+1ast

Panteras - Astros 81-77

There was a small surprise when fourth ranked Panteras (5-5) defeated second-ranked Astros (8-2) in Aguascalientes 81-77 on Tuesday. Panteras made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. American players dominated the game. Guard Tyquan Rolon (192-1995, college: LeMoyne) nailed 20 points and 4 assists for the winning side and Brian Conklin (201-1989, college: St.Louis) accounted for 16 points and 11 rebounds. Forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) came up with 20 points and guard Jeff Ledbetter (191-1988, college: Idaho, agency: Slash Sports) added 11 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Astros in the defeat. Five Panteras and four Astros players scored in double figures. Astros' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Panteras moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Defending champion Astros keep the second position with two games lost. They share it with Halc.Xalapa. Panteras will meet Halcones Rojos (#5) in the next round. Astros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Astros: J.Loveridge 20+2reb+3ast, J.Ledbetter 11+9reb+2ast, M.Andriassi 11, L.Vick 10+2reb+3ast, E.Thomas 8+4reb+1ast, K.Rodriguez 7+1ast
Panteras: T.Rolon 20+4reb+4ast, B.Conklin 16+11reb, S.Williams 15+3reb+5ast, G.Ricks 12+4reb+3ast, F.Jaimes 12+10reb+2ast, I.Alvarado 3+2reb+2ast

Dorados - Soles 61-77

There was a minor upset when 3rd placed Dorados (5-5) lost to sixth ranked Soles (3-7) in Chihuahua 61-77 on Wednesday. Soles dominated down low during the game scoring 50 of its points in the paint compared to Dorados' 18. They outrebounded Dorados 47-30 including a 38-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. Dominican Donte Clark nailed 18 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side and U.S. Virgin Islands-Puerto Rican forward Ivan Aska (201-1990, college: Murray St., agency: 011 Sports) accounted for 15 points and 9 rebounds. Four Soles players scored in double figures. Soles' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Cleveland Thomas (192-1993, college: WKU, agency: Slash Sports) came up with 24 points and American-Filipino guard Mikh McKinney (184-1992, college: Sacramento St.) added 16 points respectively for Dorados in the defeat. Soles moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Plateros. Loser Dorados keep the third position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Soles will meet at home Freseras (#7) in the next round. Dorados will play against Plateros (#5) in Fresnillo and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Dorados: C.Thomas 24+2reb+2ast, M.McKinney 16+3reb+1ast, K.Sherrill 7+2reb+6ast, J.Speelman 6, A.Castillo 3+1reb+1ast, D.Hawkins 3+10reb+1ast
Soles: C.Donte 18+5reb+6ast, I.Aska 15+9reb+2ast, J.Carter 13+5reb, J.Febres 12+7reb+1ast, E.Luzcando 10+6reb+1ast, A.Smith 7+8reb+2ast

Freseras - Halc.Rojos 84-95

No shocking result in a game when fifth ranked Halcones Rojos (5-5) beat bottom-ranked Freseras (0-10) in Irapuato 95-84 on Wednesday. Bahamas forward Tavario Miller (203-1994, college: Texas A&M) nailed a double-double by scoring 18 points and 12 rebounds for the winning side and American point guard Quade Green (183-1998, college: Washington, agency: Octagon Europe) accounted for 22 points and 6 assists. Miller is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American Nick Faust (198-1993, college: LBSU) came up with 23 points and 8 rebounds and swingman Manuel Hernandez (193-1991) added 21 points respectively for Freseras in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Halcones Rojos moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Freseras lost their tenth game in a row. They still close the standings with ten games lost. Halcones Rojos will meet at home Panteras (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Freseras will play against Soles (#6) in Mexicali and hope to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Freseras: N.Faust 23+8reb, M.Dunbar 22+5reb, M.Hernandez 21+4reb+3ast, J.James 6+6reb+1ast, A.Collins 5+2reb+3ast, K.Whitney 4+1reb+2ast
Halc.Rojos: I.Hamilton 23+4reb+2ast, Q.Green 22+4reb+6ast, T.Miller 18+12reb+2ast, M.Henry 9+7reb+2ast, N.Johnson 8+7reb, J.Davis 6+1reb+1ast

Fuerza Regia - Plateros 83-63

Very expected game when 5th ranked Plateros (3-7) were smashed by first ranked Fuerza Regia (9-1) in Monterrey 83-63 on Wednesday. Fuerza Regia forced 19 Plateros turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 7 passes made by Plateros' players. American power forward Jerai Grant (203-1989, college: Clemson, agency: Octagon Europe) nailed 20 points and 6 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import point guard Marquis Wright (185-1995, college: Siena) accounted for 13 points and 7 assists. Fuerza Regia's coach used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Jamil Wilson (201-1990, college: Marquette) came up with 14 points and 9 rebounds and Nigerian-American power forward Gani Lawal (206-1988, college: Georgia Tech) added 12 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Plateros in the defeat. Five Fuerza Regia and four Plateros players scored in double figures. The victory was the third consecutive win for Fuerza Regia. They maintain first place with 9-1 record. Loser Plateros keep the fifth position with seven games lost. They share it with Soles. Fuerza Regia will meet Correcaminos (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Plateros will play against Dorados and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Plateros: J.Wilson 14+9reb, G.Lawal 12+6reb, D.Huertas 11+4reb, T.Holloway 10+2reb+3ast, I.Avalos 5+8reb+1ast, T.Jorge 4+3reb
Fuerza Regia: J.Grant 20+6reb+2ast, M.Wright 13+4reb+7ast, S.Miller 12+5reb+3ast, G.Giron 11+1ast, D.Bejarano 10+5reb+3ast, L.Faggiano 7+1reb+1ast

Halc.Xalapa - Libertadores 79-78

Important game to mention about took place in Xalapa. Third ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (8-2) saved a 1-point victory at home edging leader Libertadores (6-4) 79-78 on Wednesday evening. Libertadores were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American guard Shaquille Johnson (191-1990, college: Marshall) stepped up and scored 16 points and 8 rebounds for the winners and Puerto Rican point guard Alexander Abreu (179-1991, college: UWG) chipped in 11 points and 7 assists. Five Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. American-DR Congolese center Emmanuel Wembi (205-1997, college: Lenoir-Rhyne) responded with a double-double by scoring 10 points, 10 rebounds and 5 assists and American guard Branden Frazier (191-1992, college: Fordham) scored 16 points and 6 assists. Libertadores' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. The victory was the seventh consecutive win for Halcones UV Xalapa. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Astros. Libertadores at the other side still keep top position with four games lost. They share it with Santos and Abejas. Halcones UV Xalapa will play against Abejas (#4) in Guanajuato in the next round. Libertadores will play at home against Mineros and hope to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Libertadores: A.Holmes 17+4reb+3ast, B.Frazier 16+3reb+6ast, E.Wembi 10+10reb+5ast, J.Quintana 9+1reb+1ast, J.Rodriguez 8+1reb, B.Boatwright 7+4reb
Halc.Xalapa: S.Johnson 16+8reb+3ast, J.Keenan 14+4reb+1ast, T.Bishop 14+5reb+1ast, J.Israel-Gutierrez 11+4reb+2ast, A.Abreu 11+3reb+7ast, R.Delgado 7+2reb+3ast

Mineros - Correcaminos 103-67

The game between closely ranked teams ended with sixth ranked Mineros' (5-5) home victory over 7th ranked Correcaminos (1-9) in Zacatecas 103-67 on Wednesday. Mineros dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Correcaminos' 40. They outrebounded Correcaminos 48-31 including a 36-20 advantage in defensive rebounds. Mineros looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. American forward Chris Perry (203-1994, college: LMU) nailed a double-double by scoring 16 points and 16 rebounds for the winning side and his fellow American import forward Dion Wright (201-1993, college: St.Bonaventure) accounted for 16 points and 6 rebounds. Five Mineros players scored in double figures. Mineros' coach felt very confident that he used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Brazilian center Joao Franca (215-1998) came up with 13 points and 6 rebounds and American forward Kenny Goins (201-1996, college: Michigan St., agency: Players Group) added 9 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Correcaminos in the defeat. Mineros moved-up to third place, which they share with 3 other teams. Correcaminos lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the seventh position with nine games lost. Mineros will meet league's leader Libertadores in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Correcaminos will play against the league's leader Fuerza Regia (#1) and hope to win that game.
Top scorers:
Correcaminos: J.Franca 13+6reb+1ast, E.Giron 10+4reb+3ast, V.Johnson 10+5reb, K.Goins 9+7reb+3ast, J.Zesati 7+2reb+4ast, G.Vazquez 7+1reb
Mineros: C.Perry 16+16reb+2ast, D.Wright 16+6reb+2ast, Z.Graham 15+2reb+2ast, S.Hogan 14+2reb+3ast, A.Jackson 10+1reb+9ast, M.Ramos 10+8reb+1ast

Panteras - Astros 93-103

Not a big story in a game when 4th placed Panteras (5-5) lost to second ranked Astros (8-2) in Aguascalientes 93-103 on Wednesday. Astros outrebounded Panteras 40-27 including a 28-15 advantage in defensive rebounds. They shot the lights out from three sinking 20 long-distance shots on high 57.1 percentage. Astros looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. American forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) nailed 25 points and 7 assists for the winning side and American-Argentinian Erik Thomas (195-1995, college: New Orleans) accounted for 12 points and 8 rebounds. Four Astros players scored in double figures. American point guard Jaron Martin (178-1995, college: UC Irvine) came up with 22 points and 7 assists and American-Puerto Rican forward Angel Matias (194-1992, college: Georgia South) added 16 points respectively for Panteras in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Defending champion maintains second place with 8-2 record behind leader Libertadores, which they share with Halc.Xalapa. Loser Panteras dropped to the third position with five games lost. They share it with 3 other teams. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Panteras will play against Halcones Rojos in Veracruz and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Panteras: J.Martin 22+2reb+7ast, I.Alvarado 16+1reb+2ast, A.Matias 16+3reb+3ast, J.Casillas 9+4reb, B.Gardner 8, J.De La Serna 8+6reb+3ast
Astros: J.Loveridge 25+4reb+7ast, J.Ledbetter 17+2reb, E.Thomas 12+8reb+3ast, J.Anderson 11+3reb+8ast, K.Rodriguez 11+2reb+2ast, B.De Bisschop 8+10reb+2ast

Abejas - Santos 91-77

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fourth ranked Abejas (6-4) defeated 3rd placed Santos (6-4) in Guanajuato 91-77 on Tuesday. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Argentinian forward Alexis Elsener (195-1988, agency: Interperformances) nailed 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winning side and American guard Cody Demps (193-1993, college: Sacramento St.) accounted for 16 points. Elsener is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Abejas players scored in double figures. American-Puerto Rican point guard Tjader Fernandez (178-1994) came up with 25 points (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) and American-Dominican guard Adonys Henriquez (201-1994, college: St.Louis, agency: BMS Sport Agency) added 16 points and 5 rebounds respectively for Santos in the defeat. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Abejas keep a position of league leader, which they share with Libertadores and Santos. Abejas will meet at home Halcones UV Xalapa (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Santos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Santos: T.Fernandez 25+2reb+3ast, A.Henriquez 16+5reb+1ast, J.Erazo 12+4reb+2ast, O.De Haro 6+1reb+1ast, J.Cintron 5+3reb+1ast, D.Soto 5+6reb+3ast
Abejas: A.Elsener 18+8reb+2ast, M.Cummings 16+2reb+4ast, C.Demps 16+4reb+3ast, A.Kappos 12, T.Nuno 11+3reb+2ast, W.Langston 9+6reb+3ast

Abejas - Santos 81-83

A very close game took place in Guanajuato between Santos and Abejas. Third ranked Santos (6-4) got a very close victory on the road over 4th placed Abejas (6-4). Santos managed to escape with a 2-point win 83-81 in the game for the first place. It was a key game for the top position in the league. American-Dominican guard Adonys Henriquez (201-1994, college: St.Louis, agency: BMS Sport Agency) nailed 21 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side and Puerto Rican forward Josue Erazo (203-1995, college: PR-Rio Piedras) accounted for 15 points and 9 rebounds. Santos' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Soto (190-1993) came up with 15 points and 7 assists and American Markeith Cummings (198-1988, college: KSU) added 17 points and 5 assists respectively for Abejas in the defeat. Santos keep a position of league leader, which they share with Libertadores and Abejas. Santos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Abejas will play against Halcones UV Xalapa and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Abejas: M.Cummings 17+3reb+5ast, C.Demps 15+5reb+2ast, J.Soto 15+3reb+7ast, W.Langston 11+4reb+1ast, A.Elsener 9+8reb+3ast, A.Kappos 7+1reb
Santos: A.Henriquez 21+7reb, O.De Haro 17+5reb+4ast, J.Erazo 15+9reb+2ast, R.Christmas 8+9reb+1ast, T.Fernandez 7+1reb+6ast, D.Soto 7+3reb