TBN Round 6 (Regular Season): Real Esteli lose to Leones

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Real Esteli (4-1) in Managua on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Leones (5-0) 84-73. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Leones forced 26 Real Esteli turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Real Esteli helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Elijah Allen had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 16 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Kevin Gutierrez (185-2002) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international Wilson Batista (190-2003) with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Undefeated Leones have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with UAM Univ. and Flecheros. Real Esteli at the other side dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. They share the position with Brumas.
UNAN de has finally registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Leon (2-4) 93-59. Jason Espinoza notched a double-double by scoring 16 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Michael Obando supported him with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by Australian guard Joel Wagner (181-1987) did not help to save the game for Leon. The winner was already known earlier in the game, so both coaches allowed to play the bench players saving starting five for next games. UNAN de (1-4) left bottom position moving up to eighteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Leon at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
San Isidro has finally registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. The win is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked Mineros (2-3) 90-71 on Sunday. The best player for the winners was Sidney Castaneda who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds. At the other side the best for losing team was Jose Mccurbia who recorded 16 points and 8 rebounds. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. San Isidro maintains eighteenth position with 1-4 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Mineros keep the eleventh place with three games lost. They share the position with La Trinidad and Los Bufalos.

There were no shocking results in the other games in round 6: La Libertad lost to Frente on the opponent's court 77-94. Sebaco lost to undefeated Flecheros in a home game 64-86. Los Bufalos managed to beat Tigres on the road 72-64. Hurricane lost to undefeated UAM Univ. on its own court 52-97. Winless Nicaragua U16 was smashed by Tipitapa in Managua 50-98. La Trinidad won against Pescadores at home 70-65. Americas 2 managed to outperform Academia PLAV on the opponent's court 76-65.
The most impressive stats of the last round was 23 points and 7 steals by Jefferson Betancurt of Academia PLAV.



Frente - La Libertad 94-77

Very expected game in Rivas where 16th ranked La Libertad (1-4) was defeated by seventh ranked Frente (3-3) 94-77 on Sunday. Frente dominated down low during the game scoring 74 of its points in the paint compared to La Libertad's 46. Frente forced 27 La Libertad turnovers. The best player for the winners was Luis Jarquin (-1994) who scored 19 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Forward Jason Cortez (-1999) chipped in 14 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists and 7 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Erling Lopez (-1994) who recorded 40 points (!!!) and 7 rebounds and Marvin Delgadillo added 8 points and 9 rebounds respectively. Despite that victory Frente went down to ninth position due to points difference. Loser La Libertad dropped to the eighteenth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams.
Top scorers:
La Libertad: L.Erling 40+7reb, M.Miguel 13+2reb+1ast, C.Moises 8+7reb+2ast, D.Marvin 8+9reb+3ast, M.Joel 3+3reb+1ast, R.Ervin 3+4reb+1ast
Frente: L.Jarquin 19+7reb+5ast, N.Avellan 16+3reb, J.Cortez 14+9reb+7ast, W.Solis 10+1reb, L.Urbina 9+3reb+4ast, L.Palacio 9+6reb+2ast

Leones - Real Esteli 84-73

The most crucial game of the last round was the first loss of undefeated Real Esteli (4-1) in Managua on Sunday night. Visitors were defeated by Leones (5-0) 84-73. It was a key game for the top position in the league. Leones forced 26 Real Esteli turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 26 assists. 24 personal fouls committed by Real Esteli helped opponents get some easy free throw opportunities. Elijah Allen had a double-double by scoring 11 points and 16 rebounds to lead the charge for the winners and the former international guard Kevin Gutierrez (185-2002) chipped in 21 points and 4 assists during the contest. The best for the losing side was the former international Wilson Batista (190-2003) with a double-double by scoring 14 points, 10 rebounds, 9 assists and 4 steals and Morice Smith scored 19 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Leones have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with UAM Univ. and Flecheros. Real Esteli at the other side dropped to the fifth place with one game lost. They share the position with Brumas.
Top scorers:
Real Esteli: S.Morice 19+3reb+3ast, B.Wilson 14+10reb+9ast, L.Picado Diego 9+4reb+2ast, P.Farrell 9+8reb+1ast, R.Jeter 7+2reb+1ast, H.Jaydon 5+3reb
Leones: K.Gutierrez 21+1reb+4ast, H.Barberena 15+1reb+6ast, C.Ampie 12+3ast, E.Allen 11+16reb+1ast, M.Montalvan 9+4reb+3ast, E.Romero 5+4reb+1ast

Sebaco - Flecheros 64-86

Very predictable result in Matagalpa where top-ranked Flecheros (5-0) smashed 9th ranked Sebaco (2-2) 86-64 on Sunday. Flecheros outrebounded Sebaco 46-33 including 36 on the defensive glass. Flecheros looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. The best player for the winners was the former international swingman Francisco Garth (195-1999) who had a double-double by scoring 18 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. International Kevin Andino (186-2002) chipped in 9 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was American forward Kelvin Rivera (168-1996, college: RU Camden) who recorded 13 points, 5 rebounds and 8 assists and Esmilder Rojas (190-1985) added 17 points and 5 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 rest. Flecheros have an impressive five-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 5-0 record, which they share with Leones and UAM Univ. Loser Sebaco dropped to the tenth place with two games lost.
Top scorers:
Sebaco: R.Esmilder 17+5reb+1ast, R.Kelvin 13+5reb+8ast, Z.Jeedlaff 11+3reb+1ast, S.Windell 8+11reb, E.Said 5+1reb+4ast, S.Marcos 3+3reb+4ast
Flecheros: F.Garth 18+12reb+5ast, G.Arauz 12+4reb+2ast, J.Huerta 11, R.Mendoza 9+2reb, K.Andino 9+3reb+7ast, D.Tenorio 8+4reb+1ast

Tigres - Los Bufalos 64-72

There was an upset in Corinto where higher ranked Tigres (4-2) were defeated by eighteenth ranked Los Bufalos (2-3) 72-64 on Sunday. Los Bufalos made 21-of-26 free shots (80.8 percent) during the game. The best player for the winners was point guard Sergio Tenorio who scored 17 points and 9 rebounds. Forward Webeans Moody (-2001) chipped in 15 points, 6 rebounds and 5 assists. Four Los Bufalos players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Mario Valdez who recorded 11 points and 9 rebounds and the former international Kelvin Espinoza (-2002) added 5 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Los Bufalos moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with La Trinidad and Mineros. Loser Tigres dropped to the seventh position with two games lost.
Top scorers:
Tigres: V.Mario 11+9reb+1ast, M.Jose 10+5reb, L.Jorge 10+4reb+2ast, R.Hector 7+5reb+3ast, G.Luis 5+4reb+1ast, R.Dwight 5+4reb+7ast
Los Bufalos: R.Herrera 17+6reb+2ast, S.Tenorio 17+9reb+2ast, W.Moody 15+6reb+5ast, J.Moncada 12+6reb, H.Perez 6+8reb+2ast, J.Arce 4+4reb+1ast

Hurricane - UAM Univ. 52-97

Everything went according to plan in Managua where top-ranked UAM Univ. (5-0) outscored 17th ranked Hurricane (1-4) 97-52 on Sunday. UAM Univ. dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Hurricane's 24. UAM Univ. forced 37 Hurricane turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 30 assists comparing to just 13 passes made by Hurricane's players. The best player for the winners was guard Shaen McMeo (-2006) who scored 16 points (on 7-of-8 shooting from the field). The former international guard Vansdell Thomas (185-1986) chipped in 11 points and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Alexander Sandoval who recorded 17 points and 5 rebounds and Micaias Morales added 4 points, 9 rebounds and 5 assists 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 rest. UAM Univ. have an impressive five-game winning streak. They keep a position of league leader, which they share with Leones and Flecheros. Loser Hurricane dropped to the eighteenth place with four games lost. They share the position with 3 other teams.
Top scorers:
Hurricane: S.Alexander 17+5reb+2ast, D.Lindell 8+4reb+1ast, M.Ozzie 8+5reb, M.Victor 4+4reb+2ast, M.Micaias 4+9reb+5ast, C.Yassir 3+5reb+3ast
UAM Univ.: S.McMeo 16+2reb+2ast, V.Thomas 11+1reb+7ast, H.Campos 11+3reb+3ast, R.Smith 10+4reb, A.Garcia 9+4reb+4ast, D.Garcia 7+5reb+3ast

Tipitapa - Nicaragua U16 98-50

There was no surprise in Managua where bottom-ranked Nicaragua U16 (0-5) was outplayed by fifteenth ranked Tipitapa (2-4) 98-50 on Sunday. Tipitapa dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Nicaragua U16's 20. Tipitapa forced 32 Nicaragua U16 turnovers. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 21 assists comparing to just 8 passes made by Nicaragua U16's players. The best player for the winners was point guard Kevin Alvarado (180-1998) who scored 9 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists. Franco Sanchez chipped in 14 points. Four Tipitapa players scored in double figures. At the other side the best for losing team was Helmun Estrada who recorded 12 points and 5 rebounds and Marcello Barberena added 11 points and 5 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 rest. Tipitapa moved-up to fourteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Nicaragua U16 still closes the standings with five games lost.
Top scorers:
Nicaragua U16: E.Helmun 12+5reb+2ast, B.Marcello 11+5reb, A.Enmanuel 8+4reb, C.Kenion 6+2reb+1ast, V.Jameer 5+1reb, A.Christopher 2+1ast
Tipitapa: O.Ramirez 17+1reb+1ast, F.Sanchez 14+4reb+3ast, P.Vargas 10+1reb+2ast, W.Acevedo 10+5reb+1ast, A.Tenorio 10+7reb+1ast, K.Alvarado 9+8reb+4ast

UNAN de M. - Leon 93-59

UNAN de has finally registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. They used home court advantage to defeat Leon (2-4) 93-59. UNAN de dominated down low during the game scoring 68 of its points in the paint compared to Leon's 36. UNAN de forced 27 Leon turnovers and outrebounded them 58-45 including 23 on the offensive glass. Jason Espinoza notched a double-double by scoring 16 points, 20 rebounds and 4 assists to lead the effort and Michael Obando supported him with 11 points and 11 rebounds. Four UNAN de M. players scored in double figures. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by Australian guard Joel Wagner (181-1987) did not help to save the game for Leon. Kerling Meza Zelaya added 7 points and 10 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. UNAN de (1-4) left bottom position moving up to eighteenth place, which they share with 3 other teams. Leon at the other side dropped to the fourteenth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
Top scorers:
Leon: W.Joel 17+5reb+1ast, M.Juan 10+4reb, C.Julio 8+6reb+3ast, M.Zelaya Kerling 7+10reb+2ast, R.Raymond 6+1reb+1ast, C.Lucas 4+2reb
UNAN de M.: J.Espinoza 16+20reb+4ast, J.Ramirez 13+7reb+2ast, A.Espino 12+4reb+1ast, M.Obando 11+11reb+3ast, E.Blandon 10+2reb, H.Mojica 8+1reb+2ast

San Isidro - Mineros 90-71

San Isidro has finally registered their first victory this season after four consecutive losses. The win is especially important as they outplayed much higher ranked Mineros (2-3) 90-71 on Sunday. San Isidro dominated down low during the game scoring 62 of its points in the paint compared to Mineros' 42. San Isidro forced 21 Mineros turnovers and outrebounded them 54-35 including a 42-26 advantage in defensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was Sidney Castaneda who had a double-double by scoring 24 points and 17 rebounds. Anfearnnee Flemings chipped in a double-double by scoring 18 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. At the other side the best for losing team was Jose Mccurbia who recorded 16 points and 8 rebounds and point guard Richard Mairena added 18 points and 5 rebounds respectively. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. San Isidro maintains eighteenth position with 1-4 record, which they share with 3 other teams. Loser Mineros keep the eleventh place with three games lost. They share the position with La Trinidad and Los Bufalos.
Top scorers:
Mineros: M.Richard 18+5reb, M.Jose 16+8reb, B.Adiel 11+1reb, C.Luis 8+3reb, M.Armando 7+2reb+2ast, M.Yasser 5+1reb
San Isidro: S.Castaneda 24+17reb+1ast, A.Flemings 18+10reb+5ast, A.Rodriguez 12+5reb+2ast, H.Rodriguez 9+8reb+1ast, H.Meza 8+6reb, J.Jarquin 8+1reb+3ast

La Trinidad - Pescadores 70-65

There was a surprise result in Esteli where seventeenth ranked La Trinidad (2-3) won against higher ranked Pescadores (2-4) 70-65 on Sunday. La Trinidad forced 26 Pescadores turnovers and outrebounded them 47-34 including a 20-4 advantage in offensive rebounds. The best player for the winners was point guard Mario Garcia (182-2000) who scored 30 points and 7 rebounds. Fabio Cardoza chipped in 6 points, 15 rebounds and 7 assists. At the other side the best for losing team was Gerson Lampson who recorded a double-double by scoring 13 points, 16 rebounds, 8 assists and 4 steals and Danny Padilla added 20 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists and 4 steals respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players in such tough game. La Trinidad moved-up to eleventh place, which they share with Los Bufalos and Mineros. Pescadores lost fourth consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
Top scorers:
Pescadores: P.Danny 20+10reb+4ast, L.Gerson 13+16reb+8ast, C.Elli 11+3reb+1ast, C.Darren 6+1reb, M.Elias 5+3reb+1ast, S.Ither 4+1reb
La Trinidad: M.Garcia 30+7reb+2ast, J.Blandon 8, L.Hernandez 8+11reb+4ast, E.Mairena 6+3reb+1ast, F.Cardoza 6+15reb+7ast, H.Mairena 3+3reb

Academia PLAV - Americas 2 65-76

Rather expected game in Managua where 12th ranked Academia PLAV (2-4) was defeated by ninth ranked Americas 2 (3-2) 76-65 on Sunday. Americas 2 forced 32 Academia PLAV turnovers. The best player for the winners was Johan Porras who scored 20 points and 9 rebounds (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field). Jovanni Serrano chipped in 22 points. At the other side the best for losing team was Jefferson Betancurt who recorded 23 points and 7 steals and Delvorn Maitland added 8 points, 8 rebounds and 4 assists respectively. Both coaches allowed to play bench players saving starting five for next games. Americas 2 moved-up to eighth place. Academia PLAV lost third consecutive game. They dropped to the fourteenth position with four games lost. They share it with 3 other teams.
Top scorers:
Academia PLAV: B.Jefferson 23+1reb+2ast, G.Cesar 10+3reb, M.Delvorn 8+8reb+4ast, R.Johny 7+5reb+3ast, L.Darwell 7+4reb, C.Marvin 2+3reb
Americas 2: J.Serrano 22+2reb+3ast, J.Porras 20+9reb, A.Hodgson 8+4reb, O.Bone 8+3reb+1ast, A.Miranda 6+2reb+4ast, J.Perez 4+3reb+2ast