CIBACOPA Round 23 (Regular Season): Hermosillo beat Angeles by three after a very close game

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 exciting game of round 23 in the CIBACOPA took place in Ciudad de Mexico. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of second-ranked Angeles (23-9) to seventh ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (14-18) 93-90 on Wednesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. Hermosillo dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Angeles' 34. 24 personal fouls committed by Angeles helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Bryce Griggs (188-2003) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Brian Martinez (205) contributed with 17 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. American guard Terrell Brown (185-1998, college: NM State) answered with 23 points and 5 assists for Angeles. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place. Angeles at the other side keep the second position with nine games lost. Hermosillo are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Frayles (#10) in Guasave in the next round. Angeles will play on the road against Tijuana (#7) and are hoping to win this game.
CIBACOPA top team - Astros (24-7) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (15-16) in Guadalajara 114-76. American players dominated the game. It was a great evening for point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). JR Clay helped adding 14 points. Forward Issa Muhammad (206-2001, college: UT Martin) responded with 9 points and 15 rebounds. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Astros maintains first place with 24-7 record. Guaymas at the other side keep the fifth position with 16 games lost. Astros will play against Culiacan (#4) at home in the next round. Guaymas will play against Obregon in Ciudad Obregon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
CIBACOPA top team - Astros (24-7) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat sixth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (13-18) 109-98. American players dominated also this game. It was a quality performance for Armani Chaney who led the winners and scored 20 points and 5 assists. Astros' coach Ivan Deniz used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jared Wilson-Frame came up with 32 points for Los Mochis in the defeat. Astros maintains first place with 24-7 record. Los Mochis lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 18 games lost. They share it with Tijuana. Astros will meet at home Culiacan (#4) in the next round. Los Mochis will play against Mazatlan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 23: Los Mochis were beaten by Culiacan on the road 89-81. Angeles won against Hermosillo on its own court 114-104. Obregon managed to outperform Frayles in Ciudad Obregon 91-81. Mazatlan recorded a loss to Tijuana at home 84-95. Culiacan was defeated by Guaymas on the opponent's court 117-104.



Astros - Guaymas 114-76

CIBACOPA top team - Astros (24-7) had no problems winning another game. This time they crushed fifth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (15-16) in Guadalajara 114-76. Astros dominated down low during the game scoring 56 of its points in the paint compared to Ostioneros de Guaymas' 32. Astros forced 20 Guaymas turnovers. Their players were unselfish on offense dishing 26 assists. Guaymas were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. American players dominated the game. It was a great evening for point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) who led his team to a victory scoring 20 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Point guard JR Clay (183-2000, college: Tennessee St., agency: Diamond Sports) helped adding 14 points. Chaney is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Five Astros players scored in double figures. Forward Issa Muhammad (206-2001, college: UT Martin) responded with 9 points and 15 rebounds and Shaheed Davis (206-1994, college: UCF) scored 13 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. Astros maintains first place with 24-7 record. Guaymas at the other side keep the fifth position with 16 games lost. Astros will play against Culiacan (#4) at home in the next round. Guaymas will play against Obregon in Ciudad Obregon and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Guaymas: Q.Green 14+1reb+2ast, S.Davis 13+4reb+3ast, C.Oluyitan 11+3reb+4ast, I.Muhammad 9+15reb+2ast, D.Utomi 8+3reb, A.Tarke 7+2reb
Astros: A.Chaney 20+2reb+1ast, J.Grant 15+3ast, J.Clay 14+4reb+2ast, M.Andriassi 13+3reb+2ast, M.McKinney 13+1reb+5ast, T.McCallum 10+6reb+1ast

Culiacan - Los Mochis 89-81

No shocking result in a game when fourth ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (17-14) beat at home 6th ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (13-18) 89-81 on Sunday. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for guard Jarron Cumberland (196-1997, college: Cincinnati) who led the winners and scored 22 points, 7 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Johnny Hughes III (201-1997, college: UIW) accounted for 13 points and 17 rebounds for the winning side. Four Caballeros de Culiacan players scored in double figures. Jared Wilson-Frame (196-1996, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Interperformances) came up with 28 points and 7 rebounds and center Kevin Allen (211-1994, college: Emporia St., agency: BIG) added 23 points and 6 rebounds respectively for Los Mochis in the defeat. Pioneros Los Mochis' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Culiacan maintains fourth place with 17-14 record. Los Mochis lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 18 games lost. They share it with Tijuana. Culiacan will meet league's leader Astros in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Los Mochis will play against Mazatlan (#9) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: J.Wilson-Frame 28+7reb, K.Allen 23+6reb+3ast, V.Hart 9+8reb+1ast, D.Carlisle 7, Z.Walton 6+7reb, I.Williams 4+2reb+5ast
Culiacan: J.Cumberland 22+7reb+7ast, I.Hamilton 18+7reb+4ast, J.Hughes III 13+17reb+1ast, D.Wallace 12+2reb, C.Vogt 10+5reb+2ast, O.Akonobi 9+6reb+1ast

Angeles - Hermosillo 114-104

Very expected game when 7th ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (14-18) lost to second ranked Angeles (23-9) in Ciudad de Mexico 104-114 on Tuesday. Angeles looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. It was an exceptional evening for international swingman Gael Bonilla (204-2003) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 19 points and 20 rebounds. American swingman Will Yoakum (196-1998, college: Nova SE) accounted for 21 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists for the winning side. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American guard Sherif Gross-Bullock (196-1999, college: Bryant) came up with 23 points and the other American import point guard Bryce Griggs (188-2003) added 14 points and 6 assists respectively for Hermosillo in the defeat. Five Angeles and four Hermosillo players scored in double figures. Angeles maintains second place with 23-9 record behind leader Astros. Defending champion Hermosillo dropped to the sixth position with 18 games lost. Angeles will meet Tijuana (#7) on the road in the next round which should be theoretically an easy game. Hermosillo will play against Frayles and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Hermosillo: S.Gross-Bullock 23+3reb+2ast, B.Griggs 14+1reb+6ast, S.Maxwell 13+4reb+2ast, J.Montgomery 12+5reb+1ast, D.McNeill 11+1reb+2ast, T.Clark 10+6reb+1ast
Angeles: T.Brown 21+4reb+3ast, W.Yoakum 21+6reb+4ast, G.Bonilla 19+20reb+3ast, J.Calloway 17+3reb+3ast, J.Smith 13+1reb+2ast, D.Willis 10+4reb+4ast

Angeles - Hermosillo 90-93

The most exciting game of round 23 in the CIBACOPA took place in Ciudad de Mexico. This derby game ended with only three-point home defeat of second-ranked Angeles (23-9) to seventh ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (14-18) 93-90 on Wednesday evening. It was quite big embarassment for the home team. Hermosillo dominated down low during the game scoring 60 of its points in the paint compared to Angeles' 34. 24 personal fouls committed by Angeles helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. American point guard Bryce Griggs (188-2003) orchestrated the victory by scoring 22 points, 6 rebounds and 7 assists. Forward Brian Martinez (205) contributed with a double-double by scoring 17 points and 15 rebounds for the winners. American guard Terrell Brown (185-1998, college: NM State) answered with 23 points and 5 assists and the other American import swingman Will Yoakum (196-1998, college: Nova SE) added 17 points and 5 rebounds in the effort for Angeles. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Angeles' coach Pascal Meurs rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Defending champion moved-up to sixth place. Angeles at the other side keep the second position with nine games lost. Hermosillo are looking forward to face bottom-ranked Frayles (#10) in Guasave in the next round. Angeles will play on the road against Tijuana (#7) and are hoping to win this game.
Top scorers:
Angeles: T.Brown 23+3reb+5ast, W.Yoakum 17+5reb+2ast, G.Bonilla 15+7reb+1ast, J.Calloway 15+5reb+3ast, J.Smith 10+3reb+1ast, D.Jennings 6+9reb
Hermosillo: B.Griggs 22+6reb+7ast, S.Maxwell 21+4reb+2ast, B.Martinez 17+15reb, R.Goodwin 14+4reb+3ast, S.Gross-Bullock 9+2reb, T.Clark 7+8reb+1ast

Frayles - Obregon 81-91

Very predictable result when third ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (20-11) won against on the road bottom-ranked Frayles de Guasave (5-26) 91-81 on Thursday. Obregon dominated down low during the game scoring 66 of its points in the paint compared to Frayles de Guasave' 36. They outrebounded Frayles 43-31 including 16 on the offensive glass. It was an exceptional evening for American Greg Whittington (205-1993, college: Georgetown) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 24 points and 10 rebounds (on 10-of-12 shooting from the field). His fellow American import forward Connor Zinaich (201-1997, college: Nova SE) accounted for 22 points, 9 rebounds and 6 assists for the winning side. Halcones de Ciudad Obregon's coach Dennis Cutts used a ten-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American forward Brandon Porter (206, college: CPP, agency: Momentum SM) came up with 16 points and 7 rebounds and forward Tyrone Jones (193) added 12 points and 8 rebounds respectively for Frayles in the defeat. Four Obregon and five Frayles players scored in double figures. Obregon maintains third place with 20-11 record having four points less than leader Astros. Frayles lost nineteenth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 26 lost games. Obregon will meet at home Guaymas (#5) in the next round. Frayles will play against Hermosillo (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Frayles: B.Porter 16+7reb, D.Thomas 15+2reb+2ast, J.Augusto Soto 13+2reb+5ast, T.Jones 12+8reb+1ast, A.Peacock 11+6reb, I.Cruz 10
Obregon: G.Whittington 24+10reb+3ast, C.Zinaich 22+9reb+6ast, J.Adaway 13+9reb, T.Nuno 12+7reb+1ast, K.Williams 10+2ast, J.Perkins 5+1reb+8ast

Mazatlan - Tijuana 84-95

Everything could happen in Mazatlan at the game between two tied teams. Both eighth ranked Tijuana Zonkeys and 9th ranked Venados had identical 12-18 record. But Venados were not able to use a home court advantage and lost to the opponent from Tijuana 95-84 on Thursday night. Tijuana looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for guard Teddy Allen (198-1998, college: NM State) who led the winners and scored 27 points and 7 rebounds. Guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) accounted for 10 points, 6 rebounds and 11 assists for the winning side. Tijuana Zonkeys' coach used an eleven-player rotation which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Center Riley Brahin (211, college: UFTL) came up with a double-double by scoring 22 points and 12 rebounds (perfect from the field making all nine shots !!!) and point guard Elijah Weaver (197-1998, college: Chicago St.) added 21 points respectively for Mazatlan in the defeat. Five Tijuana and four Mazatlan players scored in double figures. Tijuana (13-18) moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Los Mochis. Loser Venados keeps the ninth position with 19 games lost. Tijuana will meet at home league's second-placed Angeles in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Mazatlan will play against Los Mochis (#8) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Mazatlan: R.Brahin 22+12reb+1ast, E.Weaver 21+2reb+1ast, J.Andriassi 14+2reb+1ast, K.Feagin 11+5reb+8ast, T.Cracknell 7+3reb+3ast, M.Wright 5+1reb+2ast
Tijuana: T.Allen 27+7reb+1ast, A.Pruitt 19+2reb+3ast, A.Kaye Williams 17+5reb+4ast, F.Jaimes 11+7reb+1ast, J.Webster 10+6reb+11ast, M.Durr 4+1reb+1ast

Guaymas - Culiacan 117-104

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when fifth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (15-16) defeated at home 4th placed Caballeros de Culiacan (17-14) 117-104 on Thursday. Guaymas shot 65.2 percent from the field. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists comparing to just 9 passes made by Culiacan's players. American players dominated also this game. It was an exceptional evening for guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) who led the winners with a double-double by scoring 40 points (!!!), 10 assists and 4 steals (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line). Point guard Quade Green (183-1998, college: Washington) accounted for 18 points and 7 assists for the winning side. Guard Jarron Cumberland (196-1997, college: Cincinnati) came up with a double-double by scoring 30 points and 11 rebounds (was perfect 9-for-9 from the free throw line !!!) and guard Isaac Hamilton (196-1994, college: UCLA) added 16 points and 7 rebounds respectively for Culiacan in the defeat. 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. Guaymas maintains fifth place with 15-16 record. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan keeps the fourth position with 14 games lost. Guaymas will meet higher ranked Obregon (#3) in the next round and it will be quite challenging to get another victory. Culiacan will play against the league's leader Astros in Guadalajara and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Culiacan: J.Cumberland 30+11reb+3ast, I.Hamilton 16+7reb+1ast, D.Wallace 16+3reb+1ast, C.Vogt 11+1reb, N.Allen 11+2reb+3ast, J.Hughes III 10+3reb
Guaymas: J.Ivey 40+3reb+10ast, Q.Green 18+2reb+7ast, D.Utomi 16+1reb+2ast, S.Davis 15+2reb, I.Muhammad 13+7reb+1ast, C.Oluyitan 12+2reb

Los Mochis - Astros 98-109

CIBACOPA top team - Astros (24-7) managed to deliver another win on Thursday. This time they beat sixth ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (13-18) 109-98. Astros made 23-of-27 free shots (85.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 24 assists. American players dominated also this game. It was a quality performance for point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) who led the winners and scored 20 points and 5 assists. Forward Tre McCallum (201-1995, college: DePaul, agency: MSG) accounted for 14 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists and 5 steals for the winning side. Chaney is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. Astros' coach Ivan Deniz used entire bench which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Jared Wilson-Frame (196-1996, college: Pittsburgh, agency: Interperformances) came up with 32 points (was perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line) and center Kevin Allen (211-1994, college: Emporia St., agency: BIG) added 18 points and 9 rebounds respectively for Los Mochis in the defeat. Five Astros and four Los Mochis players scored in double figures. Astros maintains first place with 24-7 record. Los Mochis lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the seventh position with 18 games lost. They share it with Tijuana. Astros will meet at home Culiacan (#4) in the next round. Los Mochis will play against Mazatlan and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Los Mochis: J.Wilson-Frame 32+3reb+3ast, A.Harrison 21+3reb+3ast, K.Allen 18+9reb+2ast, Z.Walton 11+3reb, J.Baldenebro 5, R.Smith 5+3reb
Astros: A.Chaney 20+2reb+5ast, J.Martin 16+3ast, T.McCallum 14+5reb+4ast, M.Mitchell 11+8reb+1ast, J.Clay 10+1reb+4ast, J.Grant 9+3reb+1ast