LNBP Round 24 (Regular Season): Soles take over a leadership position

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 game had a very big importance for second-ranked Soles as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Soles defeated 3rd ranked Mineros in Mexicali 93-75. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Mineros. Soles looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for American forward Connor Zinaich (201-1997, college: Nova SE) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) contributed with 10 points and 8 assists for the winners. Bahamas center Tavario Miller (203-1994, college: Texas A&M) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) for Mineros. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Astros. Mineros at the other side keep the third place with seven games lost. They share the position with Fuerza Regia. Mineros will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Soles will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Mineros in Zacatecas.
Leading Astros (20-3) recorded its third loss in Guadalajara. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Fuerza Regia (16-7) 107-98. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Astros. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Scott Bamforth who added 22 points and 5 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fuerza Regia moved-up to third place, which they share with Mineros. Astros at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with Soles. Fuerza Regia will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Astros will play again at home against Fuerza Regia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
A very close game took place in Aguascalientes between Diablos and Panteras. Fifth ranked Diablos (15-8) got a very close victory on the road over 7th ranked Panteras (11-12). Diablos managed to escape with a 3-point win 90-87 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Panteras. The winners were led by Daishon Smith who scored that evening 24 points and 5 rebounds. Diablos' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds by Serigne Barro did not help to save the game for Panteras. Diablos maintains fifth position with 15-8 record. Loser Panteras keep the seventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Halc.Xalapa. Diablos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Panteras will play again against Diablos (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 24: Abejas were smashed by Halc.Xalapa on the road 92-69. El Calor lost to Santos on its own court 74-87. Gambusinos unfortunately lost to Correcaminos in Ciudad Victoria 91-96. Freseros were rolled over Dorados at home 74-105.



Soles - Mineros 93-75

The game had a very big importance for second-ranked Soles as it allowed them to take a leadership position. Soles defeated 3rd ranked Mineros in Mexicali 93-75. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Mineros. Soles looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. It was a good game for American forward Connor Zinaich (201-1997, college: Nova SE) who led his team to a victory with 14 points and 8 rebounds. The other American import guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) contributed with 10 points and 8 assists for the winners. Five Soles players scored in double figures. Bahamas center Tavario Miller (203-1994, college: Texas A&M) replied with 17 points and 8 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American center Kenny Lawson (207-1988, college: Creighton) added 15 points and 7 rebounds in the effort for Mineros. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. As mentioned above they are at the top of the standings, which they share with Astros. Mineros at the other side keep the third place with seven games lost. They share the position with Fuerza Regia. Mineros will have a break next week, which should allow them to rest in order to get back on the winning path. Soles will try to continue on its current victory against fourth ranked Mineros in Zacatecas.
Top scorers:
Mineros: T.Miller 17+8reb+1ast, K.Lawson 15+7reb, J.Reyes 11+1reb, B.Rivera 8+2ast, D.McClanahan 8+4reb+2ast, K.Horton 7+5reb+2ast
Soles: D.Sims 16+5ast, C.Zinaich 14+8reb+1ast, J.Moss 13+3reb, J.Glynn 12+4reb+1ast, L.Martinez 11+2reb+2ast, J.Webster 10+4reb+8ast

Astros - Fuerza Regia 98-107

Leading Astros (20-3) recorded its third loss in Guadalajara. Hosts were defeated by fourth ranked Fuerza Regia (16-7) 107-98. It ended at the same time the ten-game winning streak of Astros. Fuerza Regia players were unselfish on offense dishing 25 assists. Astros were plagued by 26 personal fouls down the stretch. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international center Joshua Ibarra (211-1995, college: HCU) who helped to win the game recording 27 points, 9 rebounds and 4 assists and Kosovan-American Scott Bamforth (188-1989, college: Weber St.) who added 22 points and 5 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was American point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) with 22 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists and Dominican Rigoberto Mendoza (191-1992) scored 21 points and 6 rebounds. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Fuerza Regia moved-up to third place, which they share with Mineros. Astros at the other side still keep top position with three games lost. They share it with Soles. Fuerza Regia will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Astros will play again at home against Fuerza Regia and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Astros: A.Chaney 22+5reb+6ast, R.Mendoza 21+6reb+1ast, D.Cooper 16+1reb+3ast, C.Lewis 13+2reb+3ast, D.Davis 11+8reb+1ast, B.Jefferson 9+4reb
Fuerza Regia: J.Ibarra 27+9reb+4ast, S.Bamforth 22+4reb+5ast, L.Sullivan 14+8reb+3ast, S.Shorter 11+8reb+8ast, P.Oriola 11+7reb, W.Langston 10+1reb+1ast

Halc.Xalapa - Abejas 92-69

No shocking result in a game when eighth ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (11-12) crushed at home 12th ranked Abejas (4-19) 92-69 on Saturday. Halc.Xalapa looked well-organized offensively handing out 29 assists. The winners were led by American-Puerto Rican Jaysean Paige (188-1994, college: WVU) who scored that evening 16 points and American-Georgian guard Thad McFadden (188-1987, college: Fairmont St.) supported him with 20 points. Even 9 points, 5 rebounds and 6 assists by naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Rivera (190-1993) did not help to save the game for Abejas. American power forward Makhi Mitchell (206-2000, college: Arkansas) added 14 points and 6 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. Halc.Xalapa moved-up to seventh place, which they share with Panteras. Abejas lost eleventh consecutive game. They keep the twelfth position with 19 games lost. They share it with Santos and Freseros. Halc.Xalapa will again meet at home Abejas (#12) in the next round where they are favorite. Abejas will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Abejas: M.Mitchell 14+6reb, E.Weaver 12+2reb+3ast, Q.Greenaway 9+4reb+2ast, J.Kosakowski 9+2reb, J.Rivera 9+5reb+6ast, J.Contreras 8+2reb+2ast
Halc.Xalapa: T.McFadden 20+1ast, J.Bibbs 17+2reb+1ast, J.Paige 16+3reb+3ast, S.Henry 9+2ast, J.Washington 9+5reb+1ast, P.Stoll 7+2reb+5ast

El Calor - Santos 74-87

There was an upset when higher ranked El Calor (9-14) lost to fourteenth ranked Santos (4-19) in Cancun 74-87 on Saturday. The winners were led by Dominican Luismal Ferreiras (200-2003) who had that evening a double-double by scoring 15 points and 15 rebounds and American power forward Alex Kaye Williams (203-1993) supported him with 16 points and 6 rebounds. Even 14 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists by American point guard Anthony Barber (188-1994, college: NC State) did not help to save the game for El Calor. His fellow American import guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) added 11 points and 5 rebounds. Five Santos and four El Calor players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Santos moved-up to twelfth place, which they share with Abejas and Freseros. Loser El Calor keeps the tenth position with 14 games lost. Santos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. El Calor will play again against Santos (#14) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
El Calor: G.DeVaughn 15+3reb, M.Landis 14+2reb, A.Barber 14+5reb+4ast, J.Ivey 11+5reb+3ast, R.Delgado 6+1reb+1ast, N.Grimes 6+3reb
Santos: A.Kaye Williams 16+6reb+2ast, L.Ferreiras 15+15reb, J.Haley Jr. 15+4reb+1ast, M.Nuga 14+5reb+1ast, J.Grayer 12+4reb+5ast, G.Ricks 6

Correcaminos - Gambusinos 96-91

Rather predictable result when ninth ranked Correcaminos (10-13) won against 11th ranked Gambusinos (7-16) in Ciudad Victoria 96-91 on Saturday. Correcaminos made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. Strangely Gambusinos outrebounded Correcaminos 47-32 including 18 on the offensive glass. The winners were led by American guard Taylor Johnson (193-1994, college: Dartmouth) who scored that evening 19 points and the other American import point guard Roddy Peters (193-1995, college: Nicholls) supported him with 15 points and 4 assists. Even 23 points and 8 rebounds by American guard Bryon Allen (192-1992, college: GMU) did not help to save the game for Gambusinos. Brazilian center Lucas Doria (203-1997, college: St.Edward's) added 10 points and 16 rebounds. Five Correcaminos and four Gambusinos players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. Correcaminos maintains ninth position with 10-13 record. Gambusinos lost seventh consecutive game. They keep the eleventh place with 16 games lost. Correcaminos will again meet at home Gambusinos (#11) in the next round. Gambusinos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gambusinos: B.Allen 23+8reb+3ast, B.Jackson 17+7reb+1ast, M.Bryson 15+2reb+3ast, N.Tomsick 11+3reb+1ast, L.Doria 10+16reb+2ast, J.Narcis 7+8reb
Correcaminos: T.Johnson 19+4reb+1ast, T.Cracknell 16+4reb, R.Peters 15+4reb+4ast, C.Garcia 15+6reb, D.Daniels 14+5reb+1ast, V.Blue 6+4reb+4ast

Freseros - Dorados 74-105

Not a big story in a game when 12th ranked Freseras (4-19) were outscored by sixth ranked Dorados (14-9) in Irapuato 105-74 on Saturday. Dorados looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The winners were led by American guard AJ Banks (188-1997, college: Wyoming) who scored that evening 19 points and the other American import guard Kenny Hasbrouck (191-1986, college: Siena, agency: Interperformances) supported him with 17 points and 4 assists. Banks is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top summer league for players who want to play basketball overseas. Four Dorados players scored in double figures. Even 13 points and 8 rebounds by American center Myles Carter (206-1997, college: Seattle) did not help to save the game for Freseros. Ukrainian forward Nikita Konstantynovskyi (208, college: Notre Dame) added 10 points and 7 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. Dorados maintains sixth position with 14-9 record. Loser Freseras keep the twelfth place with 19 games lost. They share the position with Santos and Abejas. Dorados will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Freseros will play again against Dorados (#6) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Freseros: M.Carter 13+8reb+2ast, K.Coats 11+3reb+1ast, N.Konstantynovskyi 10+7reb+2ast, J.Jimenez 10, B.Boyd 9+1reb+1ast, J.Moorman II 8+3reb+4ast
Dorados: A.Banks 19+2reb+3ast, K.Hasbrouck 17+1reb+4ast, J.Estrada 13+1reb+1ast, C.Mitchell 13+5reb+2ast, M.Myers 11+6reb+1ast, T.Johnson 7+5reb+3ast

Panteras - Diablos 87-90

A very close game took place in Aguascalientes between Diablos and Panteras. Fifth ranked Diablos (15-8) got a very close victory on the road over 7th ranked Panteras (11-12). Diablos managed to escape with a 3-point win 90-87 on Saturday evening. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Panteras. Diablos made 17-of-21 free shots (81.0 percent) during the game. The winners were led by American guard Daishon Smith (185-1995, college: ULM) who scored that evening 24 points and 5 rebounds and international swingman Gael Bonilla (204-2003) supported him with 17 points and 6 rebounds. Diablos' coach used a ten-player rotation in such tough game. Even 17 points and 7 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) by Senegalese center Serigne Barro (208-1995) did not help to save the game for Panteras. American point guard Vinnie Shahid (180-1998, college: NDSU) added 16 points and 4 assists. Five Panteras players scored in double figures. Diablos maintains fifth position with 15-8 record. Loser Panteras keep the seventh place with 12 games lost. They share the position with Halc.Xalapa. Diablos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Panteras will play again against Diablos (#5) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Panteras: S.Barro 17+7reb+1ast, V.Shahid 16+3reb+4ast, S.Lemon 14+3reb+3ast, T.White 13+3reb+1ast, E.Thomas 13+7reb, J.Martin 8+3reb+3ast
Diablos: D.Smith 24+5reb+3ast, G.Bonilla 17+6reb+1ast, L.Gonzalez 10+4reb+2ast, D.Brite 8+2reb+2ast, T.Leimanis 7+2reb+2ast, J.Cruz 7+4reb+1ast