CIBACOPA Round 24 (Regular Season): Astros defeat Tijuana

The games at this stage are more interesting as they can be crucial for the final standings in Regular Season. Despite we already know who is stronger and who is weaker, there may be still last minute surprises and upsets. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (23-7) in Guadalajara on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Astros (23-9) 95-90. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Astros made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for Demitrius Conger (196-1990, college: St.Bonaventure) who led his team to a victory with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Power forward Alex Kaye Williams (203-1993) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists for Tijuana. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Astros maintains second position with 23-9 record having just two point less than leader Tijuana. Tijuana at the other side still keeps top place with seven games lost. Astros are looking forward to face Frayles (#9) in Guasave in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tijuana will play at home against Angeles (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Important game to mention about took place in Ciudad Obregon. Eighth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (13-17) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (15-15) 90-88 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones de Ciudad Obregon. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Raphiael Putney (207-1990, college: UMass, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and Jared Wilson-Frame who added 24 points and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Tony Farmer (201-1994, college: Lee JC) with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Los Mochis moved-up to seventh place. Obregon at the other side keeps the sixth position with 15 games lost. Los Mochis will play against bottom-ranked Culiacan (#10) at home in the next round. Obregon will play against Guaymas (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (18-12) against tenth ranked Frayles de Guasave (7-23) on Saturday night. Host Rayos de Hermosillo was edged by Frayles de Guasave in a tough game in Hermosillo 94-96. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Rayos de Hermosillo. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by David Sloan who scored that evening 40 points (!!!) and 5 assists. Even 24 points by AJ John did not help to save the game for Hermosillo. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Frayles moved-up to ninth place. Loser Rayos de Hermosillo keeps the third position with 12 games lost. They share it with Angeles. Frayles will meet at home league's second-placed Astros in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Hermosillo will play against Mazatlan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 24: Astros smashed Angeles on the road 93-68. Culiacan lost to Mazatlan on its own court 77-85. Tijuana managed to outperform Guaymas in a road game 99-81. Angeles managed to beat Guaymas at home 92-83. Tijuana crushed Astros on the opponent's court 102-83. Angeles were smashed by Guaymas in a home game 71-101.



Angeles - Astros 68-93

The game between closely ranked teams ended with second ranked Astros' (23-9) road victory over one of their biggest challengers Angeles (18-12) in Ciudad de Mexico 93-68 on Saturday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Astros made 8 blocks. The winners were led by American-Filipino guard Mikh McKinney (184-1992, college: Sacramento St.) who scored that evening 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and American forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) supported him with 19 points and 5 rebounds. Five Astros players scored in double figures. Astros' coach Jorge Elorduy felt very confident that he used 10 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by American-Ghanian forward Nana Opoku (206-1999, college: Mt.St.Mary's) did not help to save the game for Angeles. American swingman Will Yoakum (196-1998, college: Nova SE) added 16 points. Astros maintains second position with 23-9 record having just two point less than leader Tijuana. Newly promoted Angeles keep the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Hermosillo. Astros will meet Frayles (#9) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Angeles will play against the league's leader Tijuana (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Angeles: W.Yoakum 16+4reb+1ast, N.Opoku 14+11reb, D.Bracey 9+1reb+3ast, J.Hughes III 8+4reb+2ast, S.Branch 8+5reb, D.Morgan 5+6reb
Astros: J.Loveridge 19+5reb+3ast, M.McKinney 17+9reb+4ast, M.Andriassi 13, L.Thomas 13+7reb+2ast, D.Conger 12+6reb+3ast, M.Bryson 11+1reb

Hermosillo - Frayles 94-96

Very important is a home loss of third ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (18-12) against tenth ranked Frayles de Guasave (7-23) on Saturday night. Host Rayos de Hermosillo was edged by Frayles de Guasave in a tough game in Hermosillo 94-96. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Rayos de Hermosillo. Frayles made 20-of-26 free shots (76.9 percent) during the game. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by point guard David Sloan (183-1999, college: ETSU) who scored that evening 40 points (!!!) and 5 assists and power forward Torren Jones (206-1994, college: William Penn) supported him with 24 points and 15 rebounds. Even 24 points by forward AJ John (202-1996, college: UC Davis, agency: MSG) did not help to save the game for Hermosillo. Forward Jeff Ayres (206-1987, college: Arizona St.) added 13 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Frayles moved-up to ninth place. Loser Rayos de Hermosillo keeps the third position with 12 games lost. They share it with Angeles. Frayles will meet at home league's second-placed Astros in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Hermosillo will play against Mazatlan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: A.John 24+2reb+1ast, K.Rodriguez 15+3reb+8ast, J.Ayres 13+9reb+4ast, J.Tripp 13+7reb+2ast, A.Tarke 9+3reb+2ast, J.Camacho 9+6reb+6ast
Frayles: D.Sloan 40+2reb+5ast, T.Jones 24+15reb+1ast, M.Kegler 16+6reb+2ast, L.Butler 13+2reb+1ast, F.Hernandez 2+1reb, G.Milton III 1+7reb+2ast

Obregon - Los Mochis 88-90

Important game to mention about took place in Ciudad Obregon. Eighth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (13-17) saved a 2-point victory on the road edging 6th ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (15-15) 90-88 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones de Ciudad Obregon. Los Mochis players were unselfish on offense dishing 21 assists. Worth to mention a great performance of American power forward Raphiael Putney (207-1990, college: UMass, agency: BMS Sport Agency) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 9 rebounds (on 10-of-11 shooting from the field) and the other American import Jared Wilson-Frame (196-1996, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Interperformances) who added 24 points and 6 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American forward Tony Farmer (201-1994, college: Lee JC) with a double-double by scoring 33 points (!!!), 10 rebounds and 5 assists and American-Nigerian swingman Tanksley Efianayi (198-1994, college: UCF) scored 16 points and 7 rebounds. Four Obregon players scored in double figures. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon's coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Los Mochis moved-up to seventh place. Obregon at the other side keeps the sixth position with 15 games lost. Los Mochis will play against bottom-ranked Culiacan (#10) at home in the next round. Obregon will play against Guaymas (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Obregon: T.Farmer 33+10reb+5ast, T.Nuno 17+6reb+2ast, T.Efianayi 16+7reb+2ast, C.Thomas 14+5reb+2ast, T.Adway 3+2reb+1ast, M.Bruesewitz 3+7reb+5ast
Los Mochis: R.Putney 26+9reb+2ast, J.Wilson-Frame 24+4reb+6ast, Q.Davis 21+5reb+4ast, A.Hardy 7+7ast, G.Vazquez 6+3reb, A.Allen 4+3reb+1ast

Culiacan - Mazatlan 77-85

Very expected game when 9th ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (6-24) lost at home to fifth ranked Venados (16-14) 85-77 on Saturday. The winners were led by American guard Jeff Ledbetter (191-1988, college: Idaho, agency: Slash Sports) who scored that evening 19 points, 5 assists and 4 steals and Brazilian power forward Ruan Miranda (205-2001) supported him with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 18 points by naturalized American Durrell Summers (196-1989, college: Michigan St.) did not help to save the game for Culiacan. Colombian forward Michael Jackson (192-1987) added 14 points and 5 steals. Five Mazatlan and four Culiacan players scored in double figures. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach gave the chance to play for ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Mazatlan maintains fifth position with 16-14 record. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan dropped to the bottom. Mazatlan will meet higher ranked Hermosillo (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Culiacan will play against Los Mochis (#7) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: D.Summers 18+4reb, M.Jackson 14+1reb+1ast, A.Rand 11+4reb+1ast, M.McCadney 11+2reb+3ast, D.Draper 11+4reb, D.Spencer 8+1reb+7ast
Mazatlan: J.Ledbetter 19+4reb+5ast, M.Ruan 17+7reb+4ast, K.Dawkins 11+3reb+2ast, R.Whitfield 11+4reb+3ast, T.Thompson 10+10reb+1ast, W.Runnels 9+1reb

Guaymas - Tijuana 81-99

Very predictable result when first ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (23-7) won against on the road 8th ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (13-19) 99-81 on Saturday. Tijuana outrebounded Guaymas 40-29 including 29 on the defensive glass. Tijuana shot the lights out from three sinking 12 long-distance shots on high 63.2 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by forward Brandon McCoy (213-1998, college: UNLV) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds and power forward Alex Kaye Williams (203-1993) supported him with 16 points and 5 rebounds (perfect from downtown making all five shots). Even 13 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists by guard Quinton Rose (203-1998, college: Temple) did not help to save the game for Guaymas. Forward Cullen Russo (206-1994, college: Fresno St.) added 12 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Tijuana maintains first position with 23-7 record. Loser Ostioneros de Guaymas keep the eighth place with 19 games lost. Tijuana will meet at home Angeles (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Guaymas will play against Obregon (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: B.Rivera 16+1reb, Q.Rose 13+7reb+4ast, M.Crawford 12+1reb+3ast, C.Russo 12+6reb+2ast, W.Saunders 10+4reb, J.Luis Ramirez 6+2ast
Tijuana: B.McCoy 20+13reb+1ast, C.Mitchell 17+3reb+1ast, W.Alex Kaye 16+5reb+1ast, O.De Haro 16+1reb+4ast, A.Chidom 12+4reb+3ast, J.Reynoso 9+2reb+5ast

Angeles - Guaymas 92-83

Not a big story in a game when 8th ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (13-19) lost to third ranked Angeles (18-12) in Ciudad de Mexico 83-92 on Tuesday. Angeles made 21-of-25 free shots (84.0 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American forward Johnny Hughes III (201-1997, college: UIW) who scored that evening 25 points and 8 rebounds and Cambodian-American forward Dwayne Morgan (202-1996, college: SUU, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 17 points and 9 rebounds. Four Angeles players scored in double figures. Angeles' coach Gustavo Quintero used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Even 21 points and 5 rebounds by American guard Markel Crawford (196-1994, college: Ole Miss) did not help to save the game for Guaymas. Panamanian guard Iverson Molinar (193-1999, college: MSU) added 24 points. Newly promoted Angeles maintains third position with 18-12 record having five points less than leader Tijuana, which they share with Hermosillo. Loser Ostioneros de Guaymas keep the eighth place with 19 games lost. Angeles will meet league's leader Tijuana on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Guaymas will play against Obregon (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: I.Molinar 24+1reb, M.Crawford 21+5reb+1ast, Q.Rose 15+2reb+5ast, C.Russo 8+7reb+1ast, W.Saunders 6+12reb+4ast, M.Cairo 5+2reb
Angeles: J.Hughes III 25+8reb+3ast, D.Morgan 17+9reb+1ast, W.Yoakum 14+1reb+1ast, V.Blue 12+4reb+2ast, A.Banks 8+4reb, D.Bracey 8+1reb+2ast

Astros - Tijuana 83-102

The game between closely ranked teams ended with first ranked Tijuana Zonkeys' (23-7) road victory over second-best Astros (23-9) in Guadalajara 102-83 on Tuesday. Tijuana outrebounded Astros 39-28 including 27 on the defensive glass. Tijuana looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The winners were led by American forward Brandon McCoy (213-1998, college: UNLV) who scored that evening 22 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import forward Arinze Chidom (206-1997, college: UC Riverside) supported him with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Even 24 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists by American-Filipino guard Mikh McKinney (184-1992, college: Sacramento St.) did not help to save the game for Astros. American forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) added 21 points. Five Tijuana and four Astros players scored in double figures. Tijuana maintains first position with 23-7 record. Loser Astros keep the second place with nine games lost. Tijuana will meet at home Angeles (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Astros will play against Frayles in Guasave and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Astros: M.McKinney 24+7reb+7ast, J.Loveridge 21+2reb+1ast, M.Bryson 16+1reb+1ast, M.Andriassi 11+4reb+1ast, D.Conger 5+4reb+3ast, J.De La Serna 3+7reb
Tijuana: B.McCoy 22+8reb, C.Mitchell 18+4reb+2ast, A.Chidom 14+8reb+3ast, O.De Haro 13+1reb+3ast, J.Nicholas 11+5reb+1ast, W.Alex Kaye 11+7reb+3ast

Angeles - Guaymas 71-101

There was an upset when higher ranked Angeles (18-12) were outleveled by eighth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (13-19) in Ciudad de Mexico 101-71 on Wednesday. The winners were led by Panamanian guard Iverson Molinar (193-1999, college: MSU) who scored that evening 24 points and 4 assists and American power forward Anthony Smith (201-1997, college: Murray St.) supported him with 16 points, 7 rebounds and 5 assists (perfect from the field making all six shots). Five Ostioneros de Guaymas players scored in double figures. Even 11 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists by American guard Stephaun Branch (196-1995, college: UWG, agency: Slash Sports) did not help to save the game for Angeles. His fellow American import Vander Blue (196-1992, college: Marquette) added 15 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. Guaymas maintains eighth position with 13-19 record. Newly promoted Angeles keep the third place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Hermosillo. Guaymas will meet at home higher ranked Obregon (#6) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Angeles will play against the league's leader Tijuana where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Angeles: V.Blue 15+2reb+1ast, S.Branch 11+6reb+6ast, A.Banks 10+3reb+1ast, D.Bracey 7+2reb+2ast, D.Morgan 6+6reb, J.Hughes III 6+6reb+1ast
Guaymas: I.Molinar 24+4reb+4ast, B.Rivera 20+1reb+2ast, A.Smith 16+7reb+5ast, C.Russo 14+4reb, W.Saunders 10+4reb, Q.Rose 6+6reb+2ast

Astros - Tijuana 95-90

The most crucial game of the last round was a loss of top-ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (23-7) in Guadalajara on Wednesday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Astros (23-9) 95-90. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Astros made 18-of-23 free shots (78.3 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American players dominated the game. It was a good game for Demitrius Conger (196-1990, college: St.Bonaventure) who led his team to a victory with 15 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Jordan Loveridge (198-1993, college: Utah) contributed with 20 points for the winners. Power forward Alex Kaye Williams (203-1993) replied with a double-double by scoring 16 points, 12 rebounds and 4 assists and forward Brandon McCoy (213-1998, college: UNLV) added 22 points and 8 rebounds in the effort for Tijuana. Four Astros and five Tijuana players scored in double figures. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Astros maintains second position with 23-9 record having just two point less than leader Tijuana. Tijuana at the other side still keeps top place with seven games lost. Astros are looking forward to face Frayles (#9) in Guasave in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Tijuana will play at home against Angeles (#3) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: B.McCoy 22+8reb, W.Alex Kaye 16+12reb+4ast, C.Mitchell 13+5reb+6ast, J.Nicholas 13+7reb, O.De Haro 12+3reb+3ast, J.Jeffers 10+1reb
Astros: J.Loveridge 20+4reb+3ast, K.Bigby-Williams 16+7reb, L.Thomas 15+2reb+2ast, D.Conger 15+7reb+6ast, M.Andriassi 11+2reb, M.McKinney 8+7reb+4ast