Metropolitan League Round 16: Olimpia lose to San Jose

Jaime Lloreda

Here is the last round review presented by ESL.

Top ranked Olimpia (12-4) recorded its fourth loss in Asuncion on Thursday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked San Jose (11-5) 79-69. It ended at the same time the four-game winning streak of Olimpia. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Panamanian center Jaime Lloreda (204-80, college: LSU) fired 14 points and 9 rebounds for the winners. American forward Scott Rogers (196, college: Trine) chipped in 13 points and 6 assists. American forward Brandon Bowman (205-84, college: Georgetown, agency: David Lee Services) produced 35 points (!!!) and 8 rebounds for lost side. Olimpia's coach rotated ten players in this game, but that didn't help. San Jose have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain second position with 11-5 record behind leader Olimpia. Defending champion Olimpia still keeps top place with four games lost.
Another interesting game was a derby match between two teams from Asuncion: Libertad (#3) and Sol de America (#4). Libertad (10-6) won against visiting Sol de America (6-10) 87-82. Worth to mention a great performance of the former international forward Diego Bareiro (195-91) who helped to win the game recording 19 points and 7 rebounds. Gabriel Peralta contributed with 19 points for the winners. Libertad's coach allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. The former international power forward Jose Fabio (200-77) replied with a double-double by scoring 13 points and 10 rebounds for Sol de America. Libertad maintains third position with 10-6 record having just two points less than leader Olimpia. Sol de America lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the fourth place with ten games lost.