CIBACOPA Round 15 (Regular Season): Tijuana lose to Astros in the game between Top 4 teams

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The game between Top Four teams took place in Tijuana. 3rd placed host Tijuana Zonkeys (10-10) lost to first ranked Astros (17-3) 99-82. Astros outrebounded Tijuana 45-32 including 17 on the offensive glass. It was a great evening for American-Filipino guard Mikh McKinney (184-1992, college: Sacramento St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. American power forward Jerai Grant (203-1989, college: Clemson, agency: Octagon Europe) helped adding 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Astros' coach Ivan Deniz used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American swingman Cameron Mitchell (195-1992, college: IU Southeast) with 24 points. Astros maintains first place with 17-3 record. Tijuana at the other side dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. They share it with Los Mochis and Obregon. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tijuana will play again at home against the league's leader Astros (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
The game in Guaymas supposed to be also worth to mention about. 6th ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (10-10) played at the court of seventh ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (8-12). Ostioneros de Guaymas smashed Pioneros Los Mochis 115-91. Americans were the main players on the court. It was an exceptional evening for guard Sherif Gross-Bullock (196-1999, college: Bryant) who led the winners and scored 19 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Andy Cleaves II accounted for 16 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Taylor Johnson (193-1994, college: Dartmouth) came up with 31 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists for Los Mochis 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. Despite that victory Guaymas went down to eighth position due to points difference. Los Mochis lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Tijuana and Obregon. Guaymas will play against higher ranked Los Mochis (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Los Mochis will play against Obregon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
The game in Los Mochis was also quite interesting. Second ranked Angeles (14-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (10-10). Angeles managed to secure a 7-point victory 120-113 on Wednesday. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was Terrell Brown who scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was Taylor Johnson who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists (went 15 for 15 at the free throw line !!!). Angeles have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 14-6 record having just three points less than leader Astros. Los Mochis lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. They share it with Tijuana and Obregon. Angeles will meet bottom-ranked Frayles (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Los Mochis will play against Obregon (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no shocking results in the rest of the games of round 15: Hermosillo was destroyed by Obregon on the opponent's court 103-84. Bottom-ranked Frayles unfortunately lost to Angeles in a home game 103-121. Mazatlan recorded a loss to Culiacan on the road 76-82. Guaymas were defeated by Obregon on its own court 85-99. Hermosillo smashed Frayles in a road game 100-74.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 22 points by Khalil Iverson of Hermosillo.



Tijuana - Astros 82-99

The game between Top Four teams took place in Tijuana. 3rd placed host Tijuana Zonkeys (10-10) lost to first ranked Astros (17-3) 99-82. Astros outrebounded Tijuana 45-32 including 17 on the offensive glass. It was a great evening for American-Filipino guard Mikh McKinney (184-1992, college: Sacramento St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. American power forward Jerai Grant (203-1989, college: Clemson, agency: Octagon Europe) helped adding 13 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists. Astros' coach Ivan Deniz used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. The best for the losing side was American swingman Cameron Mitchell (195-1992, college: IU Southeast) with 24 points and the other American import point guard Evan Gilyard II (180-1998, college: UMKC) scored 15 points and 6 assists. Five Astros and four Tijuana players scored in double figures. Astros maintains first place with 17-3 record. Tijuana at the other side dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. They share it with Los Mochis and Obregon. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Tijuana will play again at home against the league's leader Astros (#1) and is hoping to prove to their supporters that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Tijuana: C.Mitchell 24+1reb+1ast, K.Cross 15+8reb, E.Gilyard II 15+4reb+6ast, A.Kaye Williams 12+5reb+1ast, A.Olivas-Baca 6+2reb+1ast, I.Alvarado 6+3reb+5ast
Astros: M.McKinney 17+8reb+6ast, A.Chaney 16+3reb+2ast, T.Maddox Jr. 16+3reb+1ast, J.Grant 13+6reb+4ast, J.Clay 11+5reb+1ast, M.Andriassi 10+5reb+1ast

Obregon - Hermosillo 103-84

Very expected game when 9th ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (7-13) was crushed on the road by third ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (10-10) 103-84 on Friday. Obregon outrebounded Hermosillo 46-29 including a 14-2 advantage in offensive rebounds. Obregon looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American Greg Whittington (205-1993, college: Georgetown) who had a double-double by scoring 22 points, 12 rebounds and 6 assists. His fellow American import guard Tomas Nuno (196-1998, college: CMU) chipped in a double-double by scoring 20 points and 13 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was the former international forward Jorge Camacho (203-1989, college: EKU) who recorded 10 points, 7 rebounds and 6 assists and American TJ Clark (193-2003) added 15 points respectively. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon have an impressive series of six victories in a row. Despite that victory Obregon went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with Tijuana and Los Mochis. Defending champion Hermosillo keeps the ninth place with 13 games lost. Obregon will meet Los Mochis (#4) on the road in the next round. Hermosillo will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: T.Clark 15+4reb+1ast, J.French 14+1reb, C.Christon 13+4reb+2ast, J.Camacho 10+7reb+6ast, B.Griggs 10+1reb+3ast, D.McNeill 9+3reb+4ast
Obregon: G.Whittington 22+12reb+6ast, T.Nuno 20+13reb+3ast, K.Williams 19+6reb+2ast, J.Perkins 13+2reb+3ast, D.McClenton 9+3reb+2ast, A.Martinez 7+3reb+1ast

Guaymas - Los Mochis 115-91

The game in Guaymas supposed to be also worth to mention about. 6th ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (10-10) played at the court of seventh ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (8-12). Ostioneros de Guaymas smashed Pioneros Los Mochis 115-91. They outrebounded Los Mochis 47-36 including a 39-27 advantage in defensive rebounds. Guaymas players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists comparing to just 10 passes made by Los Mochis' players. Americans were the main players on the court. It was an exceptional evening for guard Sherif Gross-Bullock (196-1999, college: Bryant) who led the winners and scored 19 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Guard Andy Cleaves II (188-1996, college: CS Stanislaus) accounted for 16 points and 7 rebounds for the winning side. Guard Taylor Johnson (193-1994, college: Dartmouth) came up with 31 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists and Jared Wilson-Frame (196-1996, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Interperformances) added 15 points respectively for Los Mochis in the defeat. Five Guaymas and four Los Mochis players 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 Guaymas went down to eighth position due to points difference. Los Mochis lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth place with ten games lost. They share the position with Tijuana and Obregon. Guaymas will play against higher ranked Los Mochis (#4) at home in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Los Mochis will play against Obregon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: T.Johnson 31+9reb+5ast, J.Wilson-Frame 15+4reb+3ast, J.Sandifer 13+2reb+1ast, Q.Davis 12, J.Winston 9+2reb, M.Carter 5+6reb+1ast
Guaymas: S.Gross-Bullock 19+5reb+9ast, A.Cleaves II 16+7reb+2ast, I.Muhammad 13+8reb+1ast, Q.Green 13+2reb+5ast, C.Oluyitan 12+5reb, B.Rivera 12+2reb+2ast

Frayles - Angeles 103-121

Very predictable result when second ranked Angeles (14-6) defeated on the road bottom-ranked Frayles de Guasave (5-15) 121-103 on Friday. Angeles made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. The best player for the winners was American swingman Will Yoakum (196-1998, college: Nova SE) who scored 26 points and 4 steals (perfect behind the arc making all five shots). International swingman Gael Bonilla (204-2003) chipped in 15 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Brandon Porter (206, college: CPP, agency: Momentum SM) who recorded 27 points and 9 rebounds and the other American import guard Davaunta Thomas (196-1995, college: UAFS) added 26 points respectively. Five Angeles and four Frayles players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Angeles have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 14-6 record having just three points less than leader Astros. Frayles lost eighth consecutive game. They stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Angeles will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Frayles will play again against the league's second-placed Angeles (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Frayles: B.Porter 27+9reb+2ast, D.Thomas 26+2reb+3ast, R.Jimenez 17+4reb, D.Flowers III 12+3ast, J.Augusto Soto 9+4reb+5ast, T.Jones 6+4reb+1ast
Angeles: W.Yoakum 26+2reb+1ast, T.Brown 20+5reb+1ast, J.Smith 16+2reb+3ast, G.Bonilla 15+8reb+4ast, S.LeDay 11+5reb+4ast, D.Willis 11+1reb+1ast

Los Mochis - Angeles 113-120

The game in Los Mochis was also quite interesting. Second ranked Angeles (14-6) played at the court of 6th ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (10-10). Angeles managed to secure a 7-point victory 120-113 on Wednesday. Americans were the main players on the court also this time. The best player for the winners was guard Terrell Brown (185-1998, college: NM State) who scored 30 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Forward Seth LeDay (201-1996, college: ECU, agency: 6th Man Basketball Agency) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 14 rebounds. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs used a ten-player rotation and allowed the starting five to rest. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Taylor Johnson (193-1994, college: Dartmouth) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points, 11 rebounds and 6 assists (went 15 for 15 at the free throw line !!!) and swingman Qyidar Davis (198-1993, college: Indiana St.) added 33 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds respectively. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Angeles have an impressive series of five victories in a row. They maintain second place with 14-6 record having just three points less than leader Astros. Los Mochis lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourth position with ten games lost. They share it with Tijuana and Obregon. Angeles will meet bottom-ranked Frayles (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Los Mochis will play against Obregon (#6) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: Q.Davis 33+7reb+2ast, T.Johnson 25+11reb+6ast, J.Wilson-Frame 24+8reb+3ast, C.Dougherty 12+3reb, J.Winston 12+4reb+1ast, M.Carter 6+7reb
Angeles: T.Brown 30+5reb+6ast, J.Smith 20+2reb, W.Yoakum 14+8reb+2ast, S.LeDay 14+14reb+1ast, D.Jennings 12+7reb+2ast, G.Bonilla 10+2reb+3ast

Culiacan - Mazatlan 82-76

Not a big story in a game when 7th ranked Venados (8-11) were defeated on the road by fifth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (10-9) 82-76 on Wednesday. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was Noah Allen (201-1995, college: Hawaii) who scored 18 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Johnny Hughes III (201-1997, college: UIW) chipped in a double-double by scoring 16 points and 11 rebounds. Four Caballeros de Culiacan players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was point guard Elijah Weaver (197-1998, college: Chicago St.) who recorded 24 points, 6 rebounds and 6 assists and point guard KJ Feagin (185-1997, college: SDSU) added 15 points respectively. Venados' coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Culiacan moved-up to third place. Loser Venados keeps the seventh position with 11 games lost. Culiacan will meet Mazatlan (#7) on the road in the next round. Mazatlan will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Mazatlan: E.Weaver 24+6reb+6ast, K.Feagin 15+3reb+3ast, M.Wright 12+7reb+1ast, T.Cracknell 9+5reb+4ast, R.Brahin 8+7reb, T.Thompson 5+9reb+1ast
Culiacan: N.Allen 18+8reb+2ast, J.Hughes III 16+11reb+1ast, C.Vogt 13+8reb, I.Hamilton 11+3reb+3ast, L.Peters 8+2reb+5ast, N.Evans 6+5reb+2ast

Guaymas - Obregon 85-99

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (10-10) beat on the road 7th ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (8-12) 99-85 on Wednesday. Obregon made 24-of-28 free shots (85.7 percent) during the game, while Guaymas only scored eight points from the stripe. They outrebounded Guaymas 37-21 including 23 on the defensive glass. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was Greg Whittington (205-1993, college: Georgetown) who scored 21 points and 8 rebounds. Forward Connor Zinaich (201-1997, college: Nova SE) chipped in a double-double by scoring 14 points and 10 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was guard Deishuan Booker (191-1996, college: LBSU) who recorded 17 points and guard Sherif Gross-Bullock (196-1999, college: Bryant) added 12 points respectively. Five Obregon and four Guaymas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. The victory was the sixth consecutive win for Halcones de Ciudad Obregon. Despite that victory Obregon went down to fourth position due to points difference, which they share with Tijuana and Los Mochis. Loser Ostioneros de Guaymas dropped to the eighth place with 12 games lost. Obregon will meet Los Mochis (#4) on the road in the next round. Guaymas will play against Los Mochis (#4) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: D.Booker 17+2reb+1ast, Q.Green 12+2ast, S.Gross-Bullock 12+4reb+3ast, A.Tarke 11+3reb, C.Oluyitan 6+4reb+1ast, D.Ramos 5
Obregon: G.Whittington 21+8reb+3ast, K.Williams 16+3reb, C.Zinaich 14+10reb+2ast, J.Perkins 13+3reb+2ast, A.Martinez 13+2reb, B.Beavers 7+3reb+2ast

Frayles - Hermosillo 74-100

The game between closely ranked teams ended with 10th ranked Frayles de Guasave's (5-15) home loss to ninth ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (7-13) 74-100 on Wednesday. Hermosillo made 16-of-20 free shots (80.0 percent) during the game. Hermosillo outrebounded Frayles 45-32 including 35 on the defensive glass. The game was dominated by American players. The best player for the winners was guard Khalil Iverson (196-1997, college: Wisconsin) who scored 22 points (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field). Guard Darius McNeill (190-1998, college: Troy, agency: MSG) chipped in 17 points and 4 steals (went 7 for 7 at the free throw line). Four Rayos de Hermosillo players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was forward Brandon Porter (206, college: CPP, agency: Momentum SM) who recorded a double-double by scoring 25 points and 10 rebounds and guard Davaunta Thomas (196-1995, college: UAFS) added 11 points and 7 rebounds respectively. Since the result was very predictable, it gave the chance for the coaches to test many bench players and allowed the starting five to get some rest. Defending champion maintains ninth place with 7-13 record. Frayles lost their eighth game in a row. They stay at the bottom position with 15 games lost. Hermosillo will meet higher ranked Obregon (#6) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Frayles will play against the league's second-placed Angeles (#2) where they are definitely not considered as a favorite in this game either.
Top scorers:
Frayles: B.Porter 25+10reb, T.Jones 13+4reb+1ast, D.Thomas 11+7reb+3ast, K.Whitney 9+5reb+1ast, D.Flowers III 8+1reb+2ast, R.Smith 4+1reb
Hermosillo: K.Iverson 22+3reb+2ast, D.McNeill 17+4reb+3ast, C.Christon 16+6reb+2ast, B.Griggs 14+4reb+4ast, J.Camacho 8+7reb+4ast, J.Montgomery 7+12reb