CIBACOPA Round 4 (Regular Season): Tijuana defeat Frayles

There were just four rounds played in Regular Season of CIBACOPA and we can clearly see which teams will fight for top positions and which will try to avoid bottom places. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Frayles de Guasave (3-1) at the home court on Tuesday night. Hosts were rolled over by third ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (2-2) 118-94. Tijuana looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Frayles' players. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Alex Kaye Williams (203-1993) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 4 assists. Guard Jalen Johnson (198-1997, college: Mercer) contributed with 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Devin Gage (188-1997, college: Fresno St., agency: MSG) replied with 22 points for Frayles. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory Tijuana went down to fifth position due to points difference, which they share with Guaymas. Frayles at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with Los Mochis and Angeles. Tijuana is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Mazatlan (#10) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Frayles will play against the league's second-placed Angeles (#2) in Ciudad de Mexico and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Very important is a road loss of third ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (2-2) against fifth ranked Frayles de Guasave (3-1) on Wednesday night. Visiting Tijuana Zonkeys were defeated by Frayles de Guasave in a tough game in Guasave 65-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. It was a key game for the second position in the league. Worth to mention a great performance of Nigerian center Olisa Akonobi (213-2000, college: AAMU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks and Roderick Smith who added 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. At the losing side American swingman Cameron Mitchell (195-1992, college: IU Southeast) responded with 23 points. Frayles moved-up to second place, which they share with Los Mochis and Angeles. Tijuana at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Guaymas. Frayles will play against league's second-placed Angeles in Ciudad de Mexico in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tijuana will play at home against Mazatlan and hopes to get back on the winning track.
CIBACOPA top team - Astros (4-0) added another victory to their record on Tuesday. This time they beat sixth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (1-3) 90-84. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by Tre McCallum who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds. Even a double-double of 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists by Daniel Hamilton did not help to save the game for Culiacan. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Astros have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Culiacan will play against Hermosillo (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Other games in round 4 were not that significant. Los Mochis beat Obregon on the road 94-86. Guaymas destroyed Hermosillo on its own court 102-74. Angeles managed to outperform Mazatlan in Ciudad de Mexico 106-98. Culiacan lost to undefeated Astros at home 81-91. Winless Hermosillo was defeated by Guaymas on the opponent's court 82-96. Winless Mazatlan was beaten by Angeles in a home game 87-100.
The most impressive performance of 4th round was 24 points and 6 rebounds by Jacob Calloway of Angeles.



Culiacan - Astros 84-90

CIBACOPA top team - Astros (4-0) added another victory to their record on Tuesday. This time they beat sixth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (1-3) 90-84. Astros made 17-of-20 free shots (85.0 percent) during the game. Astros outrebounded Culiacan 42-30 including 32 on the defensive glass. American players dominated also this game. The winners were led by forward Tre McCallum (201-1995, college: DePaul, agency: MSG) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 11 points and 11 rebounds and guard Malachi Richardson (197-1996, college: Syracuse) supported him with 17 points. Even a double-double of 19 points, 10 rebounds and 4 assists by Daniel Hamilton (201-1995, college: UConn) did not help to save the game for Culiacan. Guard Isaac Hamilton (196-1994, college: UCLA) added 26 points (on 10-of-13 shooting from the field) for lost side. Five Astros and four Culiacan players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Astros have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Culiacan will play against Hermosillo (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: I.Hamilton 26+3reb+2ast, D.Hamilton 19+10reb+4ast, N.Allen 12+3reb, N.Evans 10+9reb+3ast, C.Harvey 5+1reb+2ast, M.Wright 5+1reb
Astros: M.Richardson 17+4reb, A.Chaney 16+2reb+1ast, M.Andriassi 15+2reb+2ast, T.McCallum 11+11reb+1ast, J.Grant 10+3reb+1ast, B.Jefferson 5+7reb

Obregon - Los Mochis 86-94

No shocking result in a game when third ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (3-1) beat on the road bottom-ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (0-2) 94-86 on Tuesday. Los Mochis shot the lights out from three sinking 14 long-distance shots on high 63.6 percentage. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by Nick Faust (197-1993, college: LBSU) who scored that evening 19 points and 9 rebounds and Jared Wilson-Frame (196-1996, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 9 points, 11 rebounds and 4 assists. Even 21 points and 7 rebounds by guard Keith Williams (196-1998, college: WKU) did not help to save the game for Obregon. Aaron Harrison (198-1994, college: Kentucky) added 13 points and 5 assists for lost side. Four Obregon players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Los Mochis moved-up to second place, which they share with Frayles and Angeles. Loser Halcones de Ciudad Obregon still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Hermosillo. Los Mochis will meet at home Guaymas (#5) in the next round. Obregon will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Obregon: K.Williams 21+7reb+2ast, A.Harrison 13+4reb+5ast, V.Jackson 12+9reb+1ast, R.Battle 11+5reb+3ast, J.Holder 9+6reb+2ast, G.Whittington 8+2reb+1ast
Los Mochis: N.Faust 19+9reb+1ast, R.Smith 17+2reb+2ast, T.Johnson 13+6reb+1ast, C.Dougherty 11+3reb+2ast, J.Winston 9+1reb, C.Sanders 9+2reb+5ast

Frayles - Tijuana 94-118

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of Frayles de Guasave (3-1) at the home court on Tuesday night. Hosts were rolled over by third ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (2-2) 118-94. Tijuana looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 11 passes made by Frayles' players. American players dominated the game. Worth to mention a great performance of power forward Alex Kaye Williams (203-1993) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 4 assists. Guard Jalen Johnson (198-1997, college: Mercer) contributed with 18 points and 8 rebounds for the winners. Guard Devin Gage (188-1997, college: Fresno St., agency: MSG) replied with 22 points and guard Davaunta Thomas (196-1995, college: UAFS) added 17 points in the effort for Frayles. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Despite that victory Tijuana went down to fifth position due to points difference, which they share with Guaymas. Frayles at the other side dropped to the second place with one game lost. They share the position with Los Mochis and Angeles. Tijuana is looking forward to face bottom-ranked Mazatlan (#10) at home in the next round where they are favorite. Frayles will play against the league's second-placed Angeles (#2) in Ciudad de Mexico and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Frayles: D.Gage 22+2reb+2ast, D.Thomas 17+2reb+2ast, T.Jones 11+4reb+3ast, K.Whitney 10+3reb, O.Akonobi 10+6reb, R.Smith 9+5reb+1ast
Tijuana: A.Kaye Williams 24+3reb+4ast, B.Marquardt 23+3reb, C.Mitchell 18+5reb+2ast, J.Johnson 18+8reb+3ast, C.Ware 9+4reb+3ast, J.Friday 8+1reb

Guaymas - Hermosillo 102-74

Rather expected game when bottom-ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (0-2) was smashed on the road by sixth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (2-2) 102-74 on Tuesday. Guaymas dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Rayos de Hermosillo's 34. They outrebounded Hermosillo 45-28 including a 37-22 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guaymas looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Hermosillo's players. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by point guard Pierre Crockrell II (183-2000, college: UC Irvine) who scored that evening 16 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and forward Issa Muhammad (206-2001, college: UT Martin) supported him with 15 points and 7 rebounds. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by guard Khalil Iverson (196-1997, college: Wisconsin) did not help to save the game for Hermosillo. Forward Cameron Christon (198-1999, college: GSU) added 12 points for lost side. Five Guaymas and four Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Guaymas moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Tijuana. Defending champion Hermosillo still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Obregon. Guaymas will meet higher ranked Los Mochis (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Hermosillo will play against Culiacan (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: K.Iverson 17+5reb+1ast, B.Griggs 13+2reb+2ast, C.Christon 12+4reb+1ast, J.French 11+2reb, T.Clark 8+3reb+3ast, J.Mason 7+3reb
Guaymas: P.Crockrell II 16+8reb+7ast, I.Muhammad 15+7reb+2ast, A.Cleaves II 15+3reb+1ast, C.Oluyitan 12+5reb+2ast, D.Ramos 12+2reb+2ast, H.Spencer 8+6reb+1ast

Mazatlan - Angeles 98-106

Very predictable result when fourth ranked Angeles (3-1) won against bottom-ranked Venados (0-4) in Mazatlan 106-98 on Tuesday. Angeles made 19-of-24 free shots (79.2 percent) during the game. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by swingman Will Yoakum (196-1998, college: Nova SE) who scored that evening 28 points and 6 rebounds and guard Joshua Pierre-Louis (190-2001, college: Roxbury CC) supported him with 23 points. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 18 points and 5 assists by point guard Elijah Weaver (197-1998, college: Chicago St.) did not help to save the game for Mazatlan. Forward Terrence Thompson (203-1994, college: Wake Forest) added 19 points and 5 rebounds for lost side. Four Angeles and five Mazatlan players scored in double figures. Angeles moved-up to second place, which they share with Los Mochis and Frayles. Loser Venados still closes the standings with four games lost. Angeles will meet at home Frayles (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Mazatlan will play against Tijuana (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Mazatlan: T.Thompson 19+5reb+2ast, K.Feagin 19+1reb+3ast, E.Weaver 18+3reb+5ast, R.Brahin 12+11reb+2ast, T.Ferguson 11+5reb+3ast, K.Hervey 8+4reb+2ast
Angeles: W.Yoakum 28+6reb+2ast, J.Pierre-Louis 23+4reb+2ast, J.Calloway 17+4reb, G.Bonilla 13+8reb+5ast, D.Willis 10+1reb, K.Simon 9+1reb+1ast

Culiacan - Astros 81-91

Not a big story in a game when 6th ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (1-3) lost at home to top-ranked Astros (4-0) 91-81 on Wednesday. The winners were led by American forward Tre McCallum (201-1995, college: DePaul, agency: MSG) who scored that evening 22 points (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field) and the other American import point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) supported him with 20 points. Chaney is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Four Astros players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 8 rebounds by American-Filipino forward Nicholas Evans (210-1988, college: S.Indiana, agency: Interperformances) did not help to save the game for Culiacan. American Daniel Hamilton (201-1995, college: UConn) added 7 points, 6 rebounds, 8 assists and 5 steals for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Astros have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 4-0 record. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan dropped to the seventh place with three games lost. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Culiacan will play against Hermosillo (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: N.Evans 17+8reb+2ast, I.Hamilton 12+6reb+1ast, N.Allen 10+3reb+5ast, R.Valle 9, L.Bearden 9+1reb+1ast, D.Hamilton 7+6reb+8ast
Astros: T.McCallum 22+4reb, A.Chaney 20+3reb+3ast, M.Richardson 13+6reb, J.Clay 11+3reb+3ast, J.Grant 8+3reb+2ast, K.Matute 6+5reb

Frayles - Tijuana 72-65

Very important is a road loss of third ranked Tijuana Zonkeys (2-2) against fifth ranked Frayles de Guasave (3-1) on Wednesday night. Visiting Tijuana Zonkeys were defeated by Frayles de Guasave in a tough game in Guasave 65-72. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Tijuana Zonkeys. It was a key game for the second position in the league. They outrebounded Tijuana 44-33 including 29 on the defensive glass. Frayles de Guasave brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. Worth to mention a great performance of Nigerian center Olisa Akonobi (213-2000, college: AAMU) who helped to win the game recording a double-double by scoring 23 points, 17 rebounds and 7 blocks and American power forward Roderick Smith (203-1999, college: AUM, agency: Haylett Sports) who added 17 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists during the contest. Four Frayles de Guasave players scored in double figures. At the losing side American swingman Cameron Mitchell (195-1992, college: IU Southeast) responded with 23 points and his fellow American import guard Jalen Johnson (198-1997, college: Mercer) scored 9 points and 5 rebounds. Frayles moved-up to second place, which they share with Los Mochis and Angeles. Tijuana at the other side dropped to the fifth position with two games lost. They share it with Guaymas. Frayles will play against league's second-placed Angeles in Ciudad de Mexico in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Tijuana will play at home against Mazatlan and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: C.Mitchell 23+4reb+2ast, J.Johnson 9+5reb+1ast, J.Burns 8+2reb+2ast, U.Iroegbu 8+3reb+4ast, C.Ware 5+2reb, A.Kaye Williams 5+6reb
Frayles: O.Akonobi 23+17reb+1ast, R.Smith 17+9reb+4ast, J.Augusto Soto 13+5reb+5ast, D.Gage 11+5reb+2ast, T.Jones 6+3reb+2ast, D.Trasvina 2+2reb

Guaymas - Hermosillo 96-82

Everything went according to plan when sixth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (2-2) defeated at home bottom-ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (0-2) 96-82 on Wednesday. The winners were led by American guard Andy Cleaves II (188-1996, college: CS Stanislaus) who scored that evening 22 points and Nigerian-American swingman Cameron Oluyitan (201-1997, college: SUU) supported him with 16 points and 7 rebounds. Ostioneros de Guaymas' coach Walter McCarty used an eleven-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 23 points and 8 rebounds by American point guard Bryce Griggs (188-2003) did not help to save the game for Hermosillo. His fellow American import forward Cameron Christon (198-1999, college: GSU) added 15 points and 6 rebounds for lost side. Four Guaymas and five Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Guaymas moved-up to fifth place, which they share with Tijuana. Defending champion Hermosillo still closes the standings with two games lost. They share the position with Obregon. Guaymas will meet higher ranked Los Mochis (#4) on the road in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. Hermosillo will play against Culiacan (#7) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: B.Griggs 23+8reb+2ast, C.Christon 15+6reb+1ast, K.Iverson 14+5reb+2ast, J.French 12+1reb, T.Clark 11+2reb+2ast, J.Mason 3+3reb
Guaymas: A.Cleaves II 22+2ast, C.Oluyitan 16+7reb+1ast, J.Jackson 11+1reb+3ast, H.Spencer 10+9reb+4ast, C.Lopez 9+1reb, O.Calvillo 7

Mazatlan - Angeles 87-100

There was no surprise when bottom-ranked Venados (0-4) lost to fourth ranked Angeles (3-1) in Mazatlan 87-100 on Wednesday. Angeles looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. Americans were the main players on the court. The winners were led by power forward Jacob Calloway (203-1996, college: SUU, agency: Diamond Sports) who scored that evening 24 points and 6 rebounds and guard Joshua Pierre-Louis (190-2001, college: Roxbury CC) supported him with 20 points and 5 assists. Four Angeles players scored in double figures. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. Even 20 points and 7 assists by point guard Elijah Weaver (197-1998, college: Chicago St.) did not help to save the game for Mazatlan. Forward Nino Johnson (206-1993, college: SEMO, agency: Interperformances) added 17 points and 11 rebounds for lost side. Angeles moved-up to second place, which they share with Los Mochis and Frayles. Loser Venados still closes the standings with four games lost. Angeles will meet at home Frayles (#3) in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Mazatlan will play against Tijuana (#6) and hopes to get finally their first victory.
Top scorers:
Mazatlan: E.Weaver 20+3reb+7ast, T.Thompson 18+4reb+2ast, N.Johnson 17+11reb+1ast, K.Feagin 8+2reb+5ast, T.Ferguson 8+3reb+3ast, R.Brahin 8+9reb+1ast
Angeles: J.Calloway 24+6reb+1ast, K.Simon 22+2reb+1ast, J.Pierre-Louis 20+3reb+5ast, W.Yoakum 14+7reb+6ast, J.Jones 9+11reb+5ast, G.Bonilla 6+10reb+5ast