LNBP Round 27 (Regular Season): Leader Fuerza Regia lose to Astros

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Top ranked Fuerza Regia (17-4) recorded its fourth loss in Guadalajara on Tuesday night. Visitors were edged by third ranked Astros (15-5) 80-79. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Fuerza Regia. 24 personal fouls committed by Fuerza Regia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Jared Rodriguez (203-1999, college: Idaho St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Corey Sanders (188-1997, college: Rutgers) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Jerai Grant (203-1989, college: Clemson, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded 16 points and 9 rebounds. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Astros have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 15-5 record having just three points less than leader Fuerza Regia. Defending champion Fuerza Regia still keeps top position with four games lost. Astros are again looking forward to face league's leader Fuerza Regia in Monterrey in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fuerza Regia will have a break next round.
Another exciting game was between seventh ranked Diablos and 4th placed Panteras where host Diablos (13-8) rolled over Panteras (14-7) with 21-point difference 92-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Panteras. It was a good game for the former international center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Luciano Gonzalez contributed with 19 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. American guard Josh Perkins (191-1995, college: Gonzaga, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for Panteras. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Diablos moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Dorados. Panteras at the other side keep the fourth position with seven games lost. Diablos will again play against higher ranked Panteras (#4) in Aguascalientes in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Panteras will have a break next round.
We should mention about the upset which took place in Veracruz, where 9th ranked Freseras (9-12) lost to twelfth ranked Halcones Rojos (8-13) in a road game 81-94 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Freseras. It was a great evening for Deshawndre Washington who led his team to a victory scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. The best for the losing side was Jimond Ivey with 20 points and 4 assists. Freseras' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Halc.Rojos maintains twelfth place with 8-13 record. Loser Freseras dropped to the tenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Mineros. Halc.Rojos will again meet at home higher ranked Freseras (#10) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Freseras will have a break next round.

Other games of round 27 were very predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Dorados defeated El Calor in Chihuahua 72-63. Santos smashed Mineros at home 107-62. Correcaminos were destroyed by Soles on the opponent's court 94-60. Halc.Xalapa managed to outperform Plateros in a home game 91-74.
The best stats of 27th round was 16 points and 5 assists by Sek Henry of Halc.Xalapa.



El Calor - Dorados 63-72

There was no surprise in Cancun where 13th ranked El Calor (6-14) was defeated by fifth ranked Dorados (13-8) 72-63 on Tuesday. It was a great evening for American point guard Kamau Stokes (183-1995, college: Kansas St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 15 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists. His fellow American import point guard Lester Medford Jr (178-1993, college: Baylor) helped adding 14 points and 6 rebounds. Stokes is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Dorados players scored in double figures. Dorados' coach used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American guard Archie Goodwin (196-1994, college: Kentucky) with 14 points and 6 rebounds and Lithuanian center Egidijus Mockevicius (208-1992, college: Evansville) scored 10 points and 6 rebounds. The victory was the third consecutive win for Dorados. They maintain fifth place with 13-8 record, which they share with Diablos. El Calor lost their sixth game in a row. They keep the thirteenth position with 14 games lost. Dorados will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. El Calor will play again against Dorados (#5) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Dorados: K.Stokes 15+5reb+4ast, L.Medford Jr. 14+6reb+3ast, B.Washington 11+6reb+1ast, C.Mitchell 10+10reb, J.Estrada 7+2reb+1ast, D.Conger 6+2reb
El Calor: A.Goodwin 14+6reb+2ast, M.Fernandez 13+2reb, E.Mockevicius 10+6reb+1ast, H.Guillent 8+4reb+2ast, R.Delgado 6+1reb+2ast, J.Lawson 6+3reb

Diablos - Panteras 92-71

Another exciting game was between seventh ranked Diablos and 4th placed Panteras where host Diablos (13-8) rolled over Panteras (14-7) with 21-point difference 92-71. It ended at the same time the seven-game winning streak of Panteras. Diablos shot 60.3 percent from the field. They shot the lights out from three nailing 14 long-distance shots on high 51.9 percentage. Diablos players were unselfish on offense dishing 23 assists. It was a good game for the former international center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) who led his team to a victory with 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Argentinian guard Luciano Gonzalez (194-1990) contributed with 19 points (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for the winners. Four Diablos players scored in double figures. American guard Josh Perkins (191-1995, college: Gonzaga, agency: Slash Sports) answered with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists and Brazilian power forward Renan Lenz (207-1990, college: Utah) added 12 points in the effort for Panteras. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Diablos moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Dorados. Panteras at the other side keep the fourth position with seven games lost. Diablos will again play against higher ranked Panteras (#4) in Aguascalientes in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Panteras will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Diablos: J.Ibarra 19+6reb, L.Gonzalez 19+2reb+2ast, A.Harrison 15+1reb+2ast, M.Tavares 13+6reb, J.Avila 9+5reb+3ast, A.Holmes 9+1reb+1ast
Panteras: R.Lenz 12+4reb, J.Bibbs 12+2reb+2ast, J.Martin 9+1reb+2ast, J.Perkins 8+5reb+4ast, S.Lemon 7+1ast, F.Jaimes 7+3reb

Santos - Mineros 107-62

No shocking result in a game in San Luis Potosi where eighth ranked Santos (11-10) smashed 11th ranked Mineros (9-12) 107-62 on Tuesday. Santos dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Mineros' 30. They outrebounded Mineros 41-26 including a 31-18 advantage in defensive rebounds. Santos looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Mineros' players. It was a great evening for American swingman Mario Kegler (201-1997, college: Baylor, agency: BIG) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 rebounds. Puerto Rican Jesus Cruz (196-1998, college: Fairfield) helped adding 17 points and 4 assists (on 8-of-9 shooting from the field). Five Santos players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was Puerto Rican point guard Jorge Pacheco (188-1998, college: Liberty, agency: Octagon Europe) with 17 points and American-Italian Brandon Nazione (202-1994, college: EMU) scored 10 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the third consecutive win for Santos. They maintain eighth place with 11-10 record. Mineros lost their sixth game in a row. They dropped to the tenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Freseras. Santos will again meet at home Mineros (#11) in the next round. Mineros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Santos: J.Cruz 17+1reb+4ast, M.Kegler 15+11reb+1ast, R.Christmas 15+5reb+1ast, T.Larrier 14+5reb+1ast, A.Demir 14+5reb+2ast, T.Fernandez 12+5reb+4ast
Mineros: J.Pacheco 17+3reb+3ast, B.Nazione 10+4reb+2ast, A.Spight 10+1ast, A.Majok 7+4reb+1ast, A.Thomas 6+3ast, A.Kappos 5+1reb+1ast

Soles - Correcaminos 94-60

Very expected game in Mexicali where 15th ranked Correcaminos (5-16) were rolled over by tenth ranked Soles (10-11) 94-60 on Tuesday. Soles outrebounded Correcaminos 54-25 including a 42-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Soles looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Correcaminos' players. It was a great evening for American forward Michael Watkins (206-1995, college: Penn State) who led his team to a victory with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 11 rebounds. Argentinian guard Lucas Martinez (187-1990) helped adding 15 points. The best for the losing side was American guard Trendon Hankerson (188-2000, college: Akron, agency: Elevate Sports Alliance) with 9 points and 5 rebounds and swingman Manuel Hernandez (193-1991) scored 13 points. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Soles moved-up to ninth place. Correcaminos lost their fourth game in a row. They keep the fifteenth position with 16 games lost. Soles will again meet at home Correcaminos (#15) in the next round which should be theoretically another easy game. Correcaminos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Soles: M.Watkins 22+11reb+1ast, L.Martinez 15+4reb+3ast, D.Hamilton 14+4reb+3ast, V.Alvarez 12+2reb+2ast, R.Pearson 9+5reb+2ast, J.Swing 8+3reb+3ast
Correcaminos: A.Parks 13+1reb, M.Hernandez 13+2ast, T.Hankerson 9+5reb+2ast, J.Faulkner 7+3reb, K.Hankerson 7+1reb+1ast, K.Rodriguez 5+1ast

Astros - Fuerza Regia 80-79

Top ranked Fuerza Regia (17-4) recorded its fourth loss in Guadalajara on Tuesday night. Visitors were edged by third ranked Astros (15-5) 80-79. It ended at the same time the five-game winning streak of Fuerza Regia. 24 personal fouls committed by Fuerza Regia helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was forward Jared Rodriguez (203-1999, college: Idaho St.) who had a double-double by scoring 16 points and 10 rebounds. Forward Corey Sanders (188-1997, college: Rutgers) chipped in 15 points and 4 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was power forward Jerai Grant (203-1989, college: Clemson, agency: Octagon Europe) who recorded 16 points and 9 rebounds and forward Wayne Langston (200-1993, college: Murray St.) added 15 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Four Fuerza Regia players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Astros have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain third place with 15-5 record having just three points less than leader Fuerza Regia. Defending champion Fuerza Regia still keeps top position with four games lost. Astros are again looking forward to face league's leader Fuerza Regia in Monterrey in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Fuerza Regia will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Astros: J.Rodriguez 16+10reb, C.Sanders 15+4reb+4ast, T.McCallum 11+2reb+1ast, M.McKinney 9+2reb+1ast, J.Loveridge 8+5reb+2ast, L.N'Guessan 7+4reb
Fuerza Regia: J.Grant 16+9reb+2ast, W.Langston 15+7reb+2ast, M.Speight 13+7reb+3ast, J.Dunn 11+2reb, L.Faggiano 11+3reb+4ast, K.Ray 8+4reb+2ast

Halc.Rojos - Freseras 94-81

We should mention about the upset which took place in Veracruz, where 9th ranked Freseras (9-12) lost to twelfth ranked Halcones Rojos (8-13) in a road game 81-94 on Tuesday. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Freseras. Halc.Rojos made 21-of-27 free shots (77.8 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Freseras 39-25 including a 33-19 advantage in defensive rebounds. It was a great evening for American guard Deshawndre Washington (201, college: NM State) who led his team to a victory scoring 26 points and 9 rebounds. American-Puerto Rican guard Eric Ayala (198-1999, college: Maryland) helped adding 19 points. Four Halcones Rojos players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) with 20 points and 4 assists and the other American import forward Tyree Corbett (201-2000, college: Denver) scored 19 points and 8 rebounds (on 9-of-11 shooting from the field). Freseras' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Halc.Rojos maintains twelfth place with 8-13 record. Loser Freseras dropped to the tenth position with 12 games lost. They share it with Mineros. Halc.Rojos will again meet at home higher ranked Freseras (#10) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Freseras will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Halc.Rojos: D.Washington 26+9reb+3ast, E.Ayala 19+3reb+2ast, K.Horton 15+9reb, I.Diogu 12+5reb+1ast, D.Jefferson 10+5reb+1ast, I.Gandia-Rosa 8+3reb+5ast
Freseras: J.Ivey 20+3reb+4ast, T.Corbett 19+8reb, M.Crawford 12+2reb+1ast, T.Gadsden 6+1reb+1ast, K.Iverson 6+2reb, A.Lillard 5+2reb+1ast

Halc.Xalapa - Plateros 91-74

Rather predictable result when second ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (16-4) beat at home 6th ranked Plateros (12-9) 91-74 on Tuesday. Halc.Xalapa outrebounded Plateros 36-23 including 26 on the defensive glass. Halc.Xalapa looked well-organized offensively handing out 25 assists. It was a great evening for Jamaican-American guard Sek Henry (193-1987, college: Nebraska) who led his team to a victory scoring 16 points and 5 assists. Senegalese-American guard Clevin Hannah (179-1987, college: Wichita St.) helped adding 11 points and 7 assists. Four Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. The best for the losing side was American guard Tyrone White (201-1990, college: CSUB) with 20 points and 4 assists and the other American import guard Christian Harvey (185, college: Marian, IN) scored 13 points. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The victory was the ninth consecutive win for Halcones UV Xalapa. Halc.Xalapa maintains second place with 16-4 record behind leader Fuerza Regia. Loser Plateros dropped to the seventh position with nine games lost. Halc.Xalapa will again meet at home Plateros (#7) in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Plateros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: S.Henry 16+3reb+5ast, T.McFadden 13+3reb+1ast, J.Glynn 12+1reb+2ast, G.Giron 12+1reb, J.Camacho 12+2reb, C.Hannah 11+3reb+7ast
Plateros: T.White 20+1reb+4ast, C.Harvey 13+1reb+3ast, A.Matias 9+1reb, D.Collier 8+5reb+1ast, R.Bustamante 7+1reb, M.Bryson 7+1reb+2ast