BSN Round 32: Atleticos defeat Piratas

Nate Mason

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

The most crucial game of the last round was another loss of top-ranked Piratas (19-8) in San German on Friday night. Visitors were defeated by second ranked Atleticos (17-9) 94-80. It may be a crucial game in the contest for the top position in the league. Atleticos shot the lights out from three sinking 13 long-distance shots on high 59.1 percentage. They looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists. American guard Nate Mason (188-1995, college: Minnesota) orchestrated the victory by scoring 17 points, 8 rebounds and 7 assists. The other American import forward Rondae Hollis-Jefferson (201-1995, college: Arizona) contributed with 18 points and 7 rebounds for the winners. The former international guard Tyquan Rolon (192-1995, college: LeMoyne) replied with 19 points and 8 assists for Piratas. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Atleticos maintains second position with 17-9 record having just one point less than leader Quebradillas. Piratas at the other side still keep top place with eight games lost. Atleticos will have a break next round, and it should allow them to practice more before next game. Piratas will play on the road against Osos in Manati and are hoping to win this game.
Important game to mention about took place in Humacao. Third ranked Gigantes (15-12) saved a 3-point victory on the road edging 5th ranked Grises (12-17) 94-91 in the game for the third place. Worth to mention a great performance of American Earl Clark (208-1988, college: Louisville) who helped to win the game recording 24 points and 9 rebounds and Tremont Waters who added 23 points, 9 assists and 5 steals during the contest. Panamanian-American center Akil Mitchell (206-1992, college: Virginia) responded with a double-double by scoring 17 points, 13 rebounds and 5 assists. Grises' coach tried various players' combinations and tested in total eleven players in this game, but that didn't help. Gigantes maintains third position with 15-12 record having just two points less than leader Quebradillas. Grises at the other side dropped to the fourth place with 17 games lost. They share the position with Mayaguez. Gigantes will play against Cariduros (#6) in Fajardo in the next round. Grises will play on the road against Cangrejeros in Santurce and it may be a tough game between close rivals.
An interesting game for Capitanes (16-12) which played road game in Carolina against their close opponent Gigantes (15-12). Third ranked Capitanes managed to get a 6-point victory 91-85. The winners were led by Tony Bishop who had that evening a double-double by scoring 24 points, 14 rebounds and 6 assists. Even 17 points and 5 rebounds by Victor Rudd did not help to save the game for Gigantes. Both coaches tested many bench players and allowed the starting five to rest. Capitanes have a solid three-game winning streak. They moved-up to second place, which they share with Guaynabo. Loser Gigantes keep the third position with 12 games lost. Capitanes will meet at home Cariduros (#6) in the next round. Gigantes will play against Cariduros in Fajardo and hope to secure a win.

There were no big surprises in other games of round 32: Manati beat Fajardo on the road 101-94. Bayamon won against Ponce on its own court 84-72. Santurce unfortunately lost to Guaynabo in a road game 93-100.