LNBP Round 28 (Regular Season): Diablos defeat El Calor in the closest game of the week

There will be only one (last) round of the Regular Season in LNBP. Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Eighth-ranked El Calor (11-16) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Diablos (19-8) in Cancun on Friday. The visitors managed to secure only two-point victory 73-71. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Daishon Smith (185-1995, college: ULM) who helped to win the game recording 12 points and 6 rebounds and international swingman Gael Bonilla (204-2003) who added 12 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) responded with 24 points. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Diablos have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Fuerza Regia. El Calor at the other side keeps the eighth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Correcaminos and Panteras. Diablos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. El Calor will play again against Diablos (#3) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
The game in Xalapa was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Soles (24-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (13-14). Soles managed to secure a 8-point victory 78-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones UV Xalapa. The winners were led by American forward Connor Zinaich (201-1997, college: Nova SE) who scored that evening 17 points and 8 rebounds and Joshua Webster supported him with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 15 points and 4 assists by American guard Justin Bibbs (196-1996, college: Virginia Tech) did not help to save the game for Halc.Xalapa. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Soles have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Astros. Halc.Xalapa at the other side keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. Soles will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Halc.Xalapa will play again at home against the league's leader Soles (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
An interesting game took place in San Luis Potosi where higher ranked Dorados (15-12) were upset on the court of twelfth ranked Santos (7-20) 93-83 on Friday. Mike Nuga fired 24 points and 4 assists for the winners. Charles Mitchell produced 19 points and 9 rebounds for lost side. Dorados' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Santos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain twelfth position with 7-20 record. Dorados lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 12 games lost. Santos will again meet at home higher ranked Dorados (#6) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Dorados will have a break next round.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 28: Astros won against Abejas on the opponent's court 105-91. Gambusinos managed to outperform Freseros in a home game 84-78. Panteras recorded a loss to Mineros on the road 87-73. Fuerza Regia crushed Correcaminos on its own court 113-86.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 10 points and 9 rebounds by Joshua Ibarra of Fuerza Regia.



El Calor - Diablos 71-73

Eighth-ranked El Calor (11-16) gave a tough game to fourth ranked Diablos (19-8) in Cancun on Friday. The visitors managed to secure only two-point victory 73-71. However their fans expected much easier game. Worth to mention a great performance of American guard Daishon Smith (185-1995, college: ULM) who helped to win the game recording 12 points and 6 rebounds and international swingman Gael Bonilla (204-2003) who added 12 points and 9 rebounds during the contest. At the losing side American guard Jimond Ivey (196-1996, college: Akron) responded with 24 points and Argentinian swingman Martin Fernandez (195-1997) scored 7 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Both coaches used bench players in such tough game. Diablos have an impressive five-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Fuerza Regia. El Calor at the other side keeps the eighth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Correcaminos and Panteras. Diablos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. El Calor will play again against Diablos (#3) and is hoping to prove to their fans that this time they can win.
Top scorers:
Diablos: G.Bonilla 12+9reb, D.Smith 12+6reb+3ast, M.Carrera 10+6reb+3ast, J.Cruz 8+5reb+1ast, J.Wilson 7+4reb+1ast, L.Gonzalez 6+4ast
El Calor: J.Ivey 24+4reb+2ast, N.Grimes 10+6reb+1ast, R.Delgado 9+1reb, J.Avila 9+5reb+2ast, M.Fernandez 7+11reb+5ast, I.Martinez 6+1ast

Santos - Dorados 93-83

An interesting game took place in San Luis Potosi where higher ranked Dorados (15-12) were upset on the court of twelfth ranked Santos (7-20) 93-83 on Friday. Santos looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Dorados' players. Nigerian-Canadian guard Mike Nuga (188-1997, college: UNLV) fired 24 points and 4 assists for the winners. Dominican Luismal Ferreiras (200-2003) chipped in a double-double by scoring 15 points and 12 rebounds. American power forward Charles Mitchell (203-1993, college: Georgia Tech) produced 19 points and 9 rebounds and his fellow American import guard Stephaun Branch (196-1995, college: UWG) added 11 points and 4 assists respectively for lost side. Five Santos and four Dorados players scored in double figures. Dorados' coach tested ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Santos have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain twelfth position with 7-20 record. Dorados lost third consecutive game. They keep the sixth place with 12 games lost. Santos will again meet at home higher ranked Dorados (#6) in the next round and they do not belong to the favorites in that game. Dorados will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Santos: M.Nuga 24+2reb+4ast, L.Ferreiras 15+12reb+3ast, A.Kaye Williams 14+4reb+3ast, J.Grayer 11+5reb+2ast, B.Porter 11+4reb+1ast, J.Haley Jr. 10+7reb+9ast
Dorados: C.Mitchell 19+9reb+2ast, K.Hasbrouck 13+1reb+2ast, A.Banks 13+4reb+1ast, S.Branch 11+4reb+4ast, L.Thomas 8+5reb+1ast, T.Johnson 6+7reb

Abejas - Astros 91-105

Very expected game in Guanajuato where 13th ranked Abejas (5-22) were defeated by second ranked Astros (24-3) 105-91 on Friday. Astros dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Abejas' 36. Astros looked well-organized offensively handing out 38 assists comparing to just 22 passes made by Abejas' players. American swingman Chavaughn Lewis (195-1993, college: Marist) fired 20 points and 4 assists for the winners. The other American import point guard DJ Cooper (183-1990, college: Ohio) chipped in a double-double by scoring 11 points and 12 assists. Four Astros players scored in double figures. Naturalized Puerto Rican guard Joseph Rivera (190-1993) produced 33 points (!!!) and 6 assists and Jamaican-Canadian forward Shaquille Keith (198-1993, college: Cape Breton) added 14 points respectively for lost side. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Astros have a solid four-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Soles. Abejas lost third consecutive game. They keep the thirteenth place with 22 games lost. Astros will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Abejas will play again against the league's second-placed Astros (#2) and hope to secure a win.
Top scorers:
Astros: C.Lewis 20+3reb+4ast, R.Mendoza 19+4reb+3ast, D.Davis 13+5reb+3ast, W.Hodge 12+1reb+3ast, D.Cooper 11+3reb+12ast, B.Jefferson 9+3reb+4ast
Abejas: J.Rivera 33+3reb+6ast, S.Keith 14+2reb+3ast, E.Weaver 10+1reb+4ast, D.Soto 10+1reb+1ast, Q.Greenaway 6+10reb+2ast, J.Contreras 6+1reb+2ast

Halc.Xalapa - Soles 70-78

The game in Xalapa was also worth to mention about. Second ranked Soles (24-3) played at the court of 7th ranked Halcones UV Xalapa (13-14). Soles managed to secure a 8-point victory 78-70. It ended at the same time the two-game winning streak of Halcones UV Xalapa. The winners were led by American forward Connor Zinaich (201-1997, college: Nova SE) who scored that evening 17 points and 8 rebounds and the other American import guard Joshua Webster (190-1997, college: Missouri St.) supported him with 12 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists. Four Soles players scored in double figures. Even 15 points and 4 assists by American guard Justin Bibbs (196-1996, college: Virginia Tech) did not help to save the game for Halc.Xalapa. International center Jose Israel-Gutierrez (206-1993) added 9 points and 7 rebounds for lost side. Halcones UV Xalapa's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. Soles have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Astros. Halc.Xalapa at the other side keeps the seventh place with 14 games lost. Soles will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Halc.Xalapa will play again at home against the league's leader Soles (#1) and hopes to get back on the winning track.
Top scorers:
Soles: J.Glynn 18+6reb, C.Zinaich 17+8reb+2ast, J.Webster 12+8reb+6ast, L.Martinez 11+5reb+5ast, D.Sims 8+2reb+4ast, M.Warren 5+1reb
Halc.Xalapa: J.Bibbs 15+3reb+4ast, G.Giron 10+4reb+2ast, J.Israel-Gutierrez 9+7reb+2ast, J.Washington 8+4reb+1ast, F.Zurbriggen 7+7reb+4ast, R.Lynch 7+1reb+1ast

Gambusinos - Freseros 84-78

Rather predictable result when eleventh ranked Gambusinos (9-18) defeated at home bottom-ranked Freseras (4-23) 84-78 on Friday. Americans were the main players on the court. Point guard KJ Feagin (185-1997, college: SDSU) fired 18 points and 7 assists for the winners. Guard Michael Bryson (193-1994, college: UCSB) chipped in a double-double by scoring 19 points and 10 rebounds. Guard Harrison Butler (196, college: SUU) produced 18 points and 5 rebounds and center Myles Carter (206-1997, college: Seattle) added 14 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Freseras' coach let to play ten players, but that didn't help to avoid defeat in this game. Gambusinos maintains eleventh position with 9-18 record. Freseros lost fifth consecutive game. They stay dead last with 23 lost games. Gambusinos will meet at home bottom-ranked Freseros (#14) in the next round. Freseros will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Gambusinos: M.Bryson 19+10reb, K.Feagin 18+4reb+7ast, N.Tomsick 14+1reb+5ast, L.Doria 12+8reb+1ast, J.Cunningham 12+5reb+1ast, J.Zesati 4+2reb+1ast
Freseros: H.Butler 18+5reb+3ast, M.Carter 14+10reb, X.Green 14+4reb+2ast, J.Moorman II 12+6reb+4ast, N.Konstantynovskyi 10+5reb, C.Gutierrez 10+1reb+6ast

Mineros - Panteras 87-73

Not a big story in a game in Zacatecas where 8th ranked Panteras (11-16) were defeated by fifth ranked Mineros (17-10) 87-73 on Friday. Mineros made 18-of-19 free shots (94.7 percent) during the game. Mineros outrebounded Panteras 46-33 including a 35-21 advantage in defensive rebounds. Mineros looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists. American forward Kenneth Horton (201-1989, college: CCSU, agency: Octagon Europe) fired 16 points and 4 assists for the winners. Bahamas center Tavario Miller (203-1994, college: Texas A&M) chipped in 15 points and 8 rebounds. Miller is a former Eurobasket Summer League player, which is considered top international summer league in the market. American guard Terrell Brown (185-1998, college: NM State) produced 20 points and 7 rebounds and Senegalese center Serigne Barro (208-1995) added 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively for lost side. Four Panteras players scored in double figures. Both coaches tested many bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Mineros maintains fifth position with 17-10 record. Panteras lost fifth consecutive game. They keep the eighth place with 16 games lost. They share the position with Correcaminos and El Calor. Mineros will again meet at home Panteras (#8) in the next round. Panteras will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Mineros: D.McClanahan 17+4reb+1ast, K.Horton 16+4reb+4ast, T.Miller 15+8reb, I.Hamilton 10+2reb+4ast, J.Valinotti 7+5reb+6ast, M.Ramos 7+7reb+2ast
Panteras: T.Brown 20+7reb+2ast, S.Barro 15+10reb+1ast, J.Martin 12+3reb+4ast, E.Thomas 12+4reb+1ast, V.Shahid 8+1ast, S.Rodriguez 2+3reb

Fuerza Regia - Correcaminos 113-86

Everything went according to plan in Monterrey where fourth ranked Fuerza Regia (19-8) outscored 8th ranked Correcaminos (11-16) 113-86 on Friday. Fuerza Regia looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 12 passes made by Correcaminos' players. Spanish power forward Pierre Oriola (208-1992, agency: Octagon Europe) fired a double-double by scoring 10 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Kosovan-American Scott Bamforth (188-1989, college: Weber St.) chipped in 16 points. Fuerza Regia's coach felt very confident that he used 11 players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. American point guard Damien Daniels (170-2000, college: ACU) produced 16 points and 4 assists and his fellow American import guard Taylor Johnson (193-1994, college: Dartmouth) added 13 points and 6 rebounds respectively for lost side. Both teams had five players each who scored in double figures. Fuerza Regia have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to third place, which they share with Diablos. Correcaminos lost third consecutive game. They keep the eighth position with 16 games lost. They share it with Panteras and El Calor. Fuerza Regia will again meet at home Correcaminos (#10) in the next round and are hoping to win another game. Correcaminos will have a break next round.
Top scorers:
Fuerza Regia: L.Sullivan 17+4reb+1ast, S.Bamforth 16+4reb+2ast, A.Holmes 13+1reb+5ast, D.Giron 11+4reb+4ast, J.Ibarra 10+9reb+2ast, P.Oriola 10+10reb+3ast
Correcaminos: D.Daniels 16+3reb+4ast, S.Samuels 13+6reb, T.Johnson 13+6reb+3ast, A.Vasquez 12+3reb, T.Cracknell 10+7reb+1ast, C.Garcia 8+3reb+1ast