LNBP Round 26 (Regular Season): Leader Soles get another victory

The Regular Season in LNBP is slowly approaching the end. But there may be still some important changes in the final standings in the last 3 rounds. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Leader Soles delivered the twenty third win on Wednesday night. This time they beat 12th ranked Abejas (5-21) 90-83 in Guanajuato. Soles made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 assists. The other American import swingman Micheal Warren (196-1995, college: CSUN) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Rivera (190-1993) produced 13 points and 8 assists for the hosts. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Soles have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-3 record, which they share with Astros. Abejas at the other side dropped to the thirteenth place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Leader Soles recorded the twenty third victory. This time they crushed 12th ranked Abejas (5-21) 118-86 in Guanajuato. American power forward Justin Moss (203-1993, college: Buffalo) orchestrated the victory by scoring 28 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). Joshua Webster contributed with 15 points and 11 assists for the winners. Naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Rivera (190-1993) replied with 16 points for Abejas. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. Soles have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-3 record, which they share with Astros. Abejas at the other side dropped to the thirteenth place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
The game in Zacatecas was also quite interesting. Second ranked Astros (23-3) played at the court of 5th ranked Mineros (16-10). Astros defeated Mineros 78-66 on Thursday. DJ Cooper had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 assists to lead the charge for the winners. Dexter McClanahan responded with 19 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Astros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Soles. Mineros lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.

Rest of the games of round 26 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
bottom-ranked Freseros were defeated by Santos in San Luis Potosi 87-69. Santos beat Freseros at home 78-71. Halc.Xalapa won against Dorados on the opponent's court 90-73. Gambusinos managed to outperform El Calor in a home game 81-68. Astros managed to beat Mineros on the road 97-83. Diablos crushed Correcaminos on its own court 105-80.
The best stats of 26th round was 10 points and 7 rebounds by Jose Cruz of Diablos.



Abejas - Soles 83-90

Leader Soles delivered the twenty third win on Wednesday night. This time they beat 12th ranked Abejas (5-21) 90-83 in Guanajuato. Soles made 16-of-19 free shots (84.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 27 assists. The best player for the winners was American guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) who had a double-double by scoring 13 points and 12 assists. The other American import swingman Micheal Warren (196-1995, college: CSUN) chipped in 13 points and 5 rebounds. Naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Rivera (190-1993) produced 13 points and 8 assists and American point guard Elijah Weaver (197-1998, college: Chicago St.) added 18 points and 4 assists respectively for the hosts. Five Soles and four Abejas players scored in double figures. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Soles have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-3 record, which they share with Astros. Abejas at the other side dropped to the thirteenth place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Soles: L.Martinez 13+1reb+3ast, J.Webster 13+1reb+12ast, M.Warren 13+5reb+2ast, B.McCoy 12+7reb+1ast, D.Sims 11+2reb+4ast, C.Zinaich 9+6reb+1ast
Abejas: E.Weaver 18+4ast, M.Mitchell 15+3reb+2ast, J.Rivera 13+4reb+8ast, J.Contreras 12+5reb+2ast, M.Mitchell 7+6reb, S.Keith 7+2reb+1ast

Abejas - Soles 86-118

Leader Soles recorded the twenty third victory. This time they crushed 12th ranked Abejas (5-21) 118-86 in Guanajuato. Soles shot 64.4 percent from the field and made 30-of-32 charity shots (93.8 percent) during the game, while Abejas only scored ten points from the stripe. They outrebounded Abejas 37-21 including a 30-13 advantage in defensive rebounds. Soles players were unselfish on offense dishing 32 assists comparing to just 19 passes made by Abejas' players. They brought some defensive toughness making 9 blocks. Abejas were plagued by 25 personal fouls down the stretch. American power forward Justin Moss (203-1993, college: Buffalo) orchestrated the victory by scoring 28 points and 6 rebounds (was perfect 10-for-10 from the free throw line !!!). The other American import guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) contributed with a double-double by scoring 15 points and 11 assists for the winners. Naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Rivera (190-1993) replied with 16 points and Puerto Rican Jorge Torres (196-2000) added 12 points in the effort for Abejas. 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. Soles have a solid four-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 23-3 record, which they share with Astros. Abejas at the other side dropped to the thirteenth place with 21 games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Soles: J.Moss 28+6reb, J.Webster 15+1reb+11ast, M.Warren 12+6reb+1ast, C.Zinaich 12+8reb+5ast, F.Jaimes 9+5reb+1ast, J.Glynn 9+3reb
Abejas: J.Rivera 16+4reb+2ast, Q.Greenaway 14+1reb, J.Contreras 13+1reb+3ast, J.Torres 12+4reb+3ast, S.Keith 7+2reb+3ast, D.Soto 7+4reb+1ast

Santos - Freseros 87-69

There was no surprise in San Luis Potosi where 14th ranked Freseras (4-22) were defeated by twelfth ranked Santos (6-20) 87-69 on Thursday. American guard Jaire Grayer (196-1996, college: TCU) had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 12 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Markedric Bell (203-1999, college: PVAMU) chipped in 19 points and 6 rebounds (on 8-of-10 shooting from the field) during the contest. Ukrainian forward Nikita Konstantynovskyi (208, college: Notre Dame) responded with 15 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) and American center Myles Carter (206-1997, college: Seattle) scored 12 points and 8 rebounds. Both teams had four players each who scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Santos maintains twelfth position with 6-20 record. Freseros lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 22 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Santos: J.Grayer 24+12reb, M.Bell 19+6reb+1ast, M.Nuga 15+2reb+2ast, J.Haley Jr. 10+5reb+4ast, G.Ricks 6+2reb+5ast, A.Kaye Williams 6+6reb+4ast
Freseros: B.Boyd 17+2reb+1ast, N.Konstantynovskyi 15+9reb+2ast, M.Carter 12+8reb, X.Green 10+7reb+2ast, H.Butler 8+6reb+1ast, K.Coats 4

Mineros - Astros 66-78

The game in Zacatecas was also quite interesting. Second ranked Astros (23-3) played at the court of 5th ranked Mineros (16-10). Astros defeated Mineros 78-66 on Thursday. Astros dominated down low during the game scoring 44 of its points in the paint compared to Mineros' 22 and made 16-of-18 free shots (88.9 percent) during the game. They outrebounded Mineros 43-28 including 29 on the defensive glass. Astros looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American point guard DJ Cooper (183-1990, college: Ohio) had a double-double by scoring 10 points and 12 assists to lead the charge for the winners and the other American import forward Devin Davis (198-1995, college: Houston) chipped in 11 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Astros players scored in double figures. American swingman Dexter McClanahan (193-1997, college: Nicholls) responded with 19 points and American-Argentinian guard Romeao Ferguson (196-1997, college: Lipscomb) scored 12 points. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Astros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Soles. Mineros lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Astros: C.Lewis 12+2reb+1ast, D.Upson 12+4reb, M.Andriassi 12+1reb+3ast, D.Davis 11+7reb+2ast, D.Cooper 10+4reb+12ast, W.Gordon 10+9reb
Mineros: D.McClanahan 19+4reb+1ast, R.Ferguson 12+4reb+2ast, J.Valinotti 10+2reb+1ast, K.Horton 8+2reb, I.Hamilton 6+1reb+3ast, K.Lawson 4+2reb

Santos - Freseros 78-71

No shocking result in a game in San Luis Potosi where twelfth ranked Santos (6-20) defeated bottom-ranked Freseras (4-22) 78-71 on Friday. Santos outrebounded Freseros 47-36 including 37 on the defensive glass. Dominican Luismal Ferreiras (200-2003) had a double-double by scoring 19 points and 23 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Nigerian-Canadian guard Mike Nuga (188-1997, college: UNLV) chipped in 23 points during the contest. American guard Harrison Butler (196, college: SUU) responded with 18 points and 5 rebounds and his fellow American import forward Xavier Green (198-1996, college: Maryland, agency: One Motive Sports) scored 15 points and 8 rebounds. Four Santos and five Freseros players scored in double figures. Santos maintains twelfth position with 6-20 record. Freseros lost fourth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 22 lost games. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Santos: M.Nuga 23+2reb+2ast, L.Ferreiras 19+23reb+2ast, G.Ricks 10+2ast, A.Kaye Williams 10+3reb+3ast, J.Grayer 7+9reb+3ast, J.Haley Jr. 5+3reb
Freseros: H.Butler 18+5reb+2ast, X.Green 15+8reb+1ast, J.Moorman II 13+6reb+1ast, B.Boyd 11+6reb+6ast, N.Konstantynovskyi 10+3reb+2ast, M.Carter 4+5reb+1ast

Dorados - Halc.Xalapa 73-90

There was a minor upset in Chihuahua where 6th ranked Dorados (15-10) were defeated by eighth ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (12-13) 90-73 on Friday. Halc.Xalapa looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American-Puerto Rican Jaysean Paige (188-1994, college: WVU) scored 27 points, 6 rebounds and 4 assists (was perfect 7-for-7 from the free throw line) to lead the charge for the winners and the former international Gabriel Giron (192-1988) chipped in 12 points and 6 assists during the contest. Four Halcones UV Xalapa players scored in double figures. American power forward Charles Mitchell (203-1993, college: Georgia Tech) responded with 8 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Stephaun Branch (196-1995, college: UWG) scored 11 points. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Halc.Xalapa moved-up to seventh place. Loser Dorados keep the sixth position with ten games lost. Halc.Xalapa will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Dorados will play against Halc.Xalapa (#7) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
Top scorers:
Halc.Xalapa: J.Paige 27+6reb+4ast, J.Washington 15+4reb, G.Giron 12+2reb+6ast, S.Henry 10+1reb, J.Bibbs 8+2reb+1ast, F.Zurbriggen 7+7reb+6ast
Dorados: S.Branch 11+4reb+2ast, J.Estrada 11+2reb+2ast, R.Bustamante 10+2reb, A.Banks 9+1ast, C.Mitchell 8+9reb+1ast, M.Myers 6+2reb+1ast

Gambusinos - El Calor 81-68

We could consider it a predictable result in the game between close teams when eleventh ranked Gambusinos (8-17) beat at home 10th ranked El Calor (10-15) 81-68 on Friday. Gambusinos made 16-of-21 free shots (76.2 percent) during the game. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 22 assists. Brazilian center Lucas Doria (203-1997, college: St.Edward's) had a double-double by scoring 17 points and 12 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners and American guard Bryon Allen (192-1992, college: GMU, agency: The Crew A.M.) chipped in 17 points and 9 assists during the contest. Five Gambusinos players scored in double figures. American guard Lance Jones (185-2000, college: Purdue) responded with 17 points and the former international JJ Avila (203-1991, college: Colorado St.) scored 9 points and 6 rebounds. Gambusinos maintains eleventh position with 8-17 record. Loser El Calor keeps the tenth place with 15 games lost. Gambusinos will again meet at home higher ranked El Calor (#10) in the next round and it may be quite challenging game. El Calor will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gambusinos: L.Doria 17+12reb+3ast, B.Allen 17+2reb+9ast, M.Bryson 14+4reb+3ast, J.Cunningham 12+6reb+1ast, J.Narcis 10+4reb, J.Zesati 6+1reb+1ast
El Calor: L.Jones 17+4reb+2ast, M.Fernandez 12+4reb+1ast, N.Grimes 10+7reb, J.Avila 9+6reb+3ast, G.DeVaughn 8+4reb+2ast, J.Ivey 8+6reb+3ast

Mineros - Astros 83-97

Not a big story in a game in Zacatecas where 5th ranked Mineros (16-10) were defeated by second ranked Astros (23-3) 97-83 on Friday. Astros dominated down low during the game scoring 58 of its points in the paint compared to Mineros' 34. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Astros made 7 blocks. Dominican Rigoberto Mendoza (191-1992) scored 23 points to lead the charge for the winners and American point guard Armani Chaney (178-1997, college: Tennessee St.) chipped in 15 points and 6 rebounds during the contest. Chaney is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American forward Kenneth Horton (201-1989, college: CCSU, agency: Octagon Europe) responded with 12 points, 7 rebounds and 4 assists and Argentinian point guard Joaquin Valinotti (185-1998) scored 12 points and 6 assists. Five Astros and four Mineros players scored in double figures. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Astros have a solid three-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Soles. Mineros lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fifth place with ten games lost. Both teams do not play next round, which will be an opportunity for some rest.
Top scorers:
Astros: R.Mendoza 23+4reb+3ast, A.Chaney 15+6reb+3ast, W.Hodge 13+3ast, C.Lewis 13+2reb, D.Upson 10+7reb, W.Gordon 8+4reb+1ast
Mineros: K.Lawson 12+1reb+1ast, K.Horton 12+7reb+4ast, J.Valinotti 12+4reb+6ast, D.McClanahan 10+1reb, I.Hamilton 10+1reb+2ast, R.Ferguson 8+6reb+2ast

Diablos - Correcaminos 105-80

Everything went according to plan when third ranked Diablos (17-8) outleveled at home 9th ranked Correcaminos (11-14) 105-80 on Friday. Great defensive blocking was one of the keys in this match when Diablos made 12 blocks. American guard Michael Smith (193-1995, college: CBU) scored 18 points and 6 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and Jose Cruz chipped in 10 points and 7 rebounds during the contest. Four Diablos players scored in double figures. Costa Rican-Belizean Charles Garcia (204-1988, college: Seattle) responded with 19 points and American guard Troy Cracknell (193-1999, college: Augusta, agency: Interperformances) scored 18 points and 5 rebounds. 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. Diablos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain third position with 17-8 record having seven points less than leader Soles. Loser Correcaminos keep the ninth place with 14 games lost. Diablos will again meet at home Correcaminos (#9) in the next round where they are favorite. Correcaminos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Diablos: M.Smith 18+6reb+3ast, M.Carrera 15+2reb, D.Brite 12+3reb, T.Leimanis 12+2reb+3ast, G.Bonilla 11+5reb+1ast, L.Gonzalez 10+2reb+2ast
Correcaminos: C.Garcia 19+4reb+2ast, T.Cracknell 18+5reb, D.Daniels 12+3reb+1ast, R.Peters 9+1reb+2ast, T.Johnson 8+7reb+4ast, V.Blue 6+2reb+1ast