by Bernard Wanger
NEBL In The Paint
(Orange Walk Running Rebel, Randy Usher had 15 pts 4 rebs 5 asst)
(Orange Walk Roger Reneau flirted with a triple double totaling 16 pts 8 rebs 9 asst)
When Orange Walk Running Rebels point guardRandy Usherheaved up an ill-advised three point attempt with 7 seconds remaining in regulation in a 61-61 tie against the visiting Belmopan Bandits, it was anobvious sign that the Rebels’ 6 game losing streak against the visitors would be extended to 7. Even more distressing though for the home town faithful, was the fact that they had enjoyed a very comfortable 59-52 with just about 7 minutes remaining in the game. And so with the world now on their shoulders, the Rebels entered overtime play. They quickly jumped out to a 65-61 lead behind a tip-in basket from Shemar White and a lay-up by Gabriel Taylor. Richard Smith III however responded with a basket of his own, on the assist by Edgar Mitchell. Randy Usher then hit a big three pointer to give his team the 68-65 lead. Not to be outdone, Edgar Mitchell, arguably the player of the game, with 20 seconds remaining in the game came up big hitting the big trey, on the assist from teammate Richard Smith III, which gave his team the slim 76-75 lead. With possession of the ball and 20 seconds remaining in OT, the Rebels once again found themselves with the unique opportunity to win the game for their home fans. But again the offense was slow out of the box, squandering valuable seconds, resulting in a questionable three pointer attempt by Randy Usher, which was no good as time expired.Consequently extending the Rebels losing streak against the Belmopan Bandits to now 7 games as they fell by the final score of 76-75.
The Banditshad four players in double figures, with veteran point guard Greg “Chippy” Rudon leading the way with 17 pts 2 rebs 1 asst, Stephen Williams 15 pts 3 rebs 3 asst, Edgar Mitchell 14 pts 5 rebs 8 asst, and Richard Smith III 14 pts 19 rebs 3 asst.
Meanwhile for the Rebels, James Ewing had another solid game, totaling 18 pts 13 rebs 4 asst. Roger Reneau flirted with a triple double totaling 16 pts 8 rebs 9 asst, while Randy Usher contributed 15 pts 4 rebs 5 asst.
Despite the loss the Rebels had all the ingredients in place to secure the win. They outrebounded the Bandits 40-35; had better ball distribution with team assists totaling 26 compared to their opponents 19. They were better in the paint 34-26, and their bench outscored the Bandits bench 17-10. They shot at a higher clip from both the field and the free throw at 39% and 57% respectively, in contrast to the Bandits 36% and 42%. How they loss is anyone’s guess?
BELIZE CITY NO LIMIT BLOWS 8POINT 4TH QTR LEAD TO WESTERN BALLAZ ON THE ROAD, FALLS 63-56
Belize City No Limit must have certainly felt confident on the road at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium last Friday night, holding a 10 point 46-36 fourth quarter lead with only 8:58 remaining in regulation, and on their way to notching their first win of the 2017 season. But an ensuing 17-10 late fourth quarter run by the hometown Western Ballaz quickly turned opportunity to misfortune. Led by Daniel Nolberto 12 – fourth quarter points, 4 steals and Darwin Leslie 4 pts 2 steals the Western Ballaz displayed remarkable resiliency to pull out the big 63-56 win.
Darwin Leslie had 14 pts 2 rebs 4 asst in the win, and was assisted by teammates Daniel Nolberto 14 pts 2 rebs 1 asst, and Brandon Flowers 11 pts 7 rebs. As a team they shot 31% from the field on 20 of 64 shooting. They shot a poor 4 for 22 from beyond the arc, and had 38 rebounds as a team. They had solid contribution from their bench with 26 points and took good care of the ball with only 12 turnovers as a team.
In contrast the visiting No Limit team were careless with the ball committing 28 turnovers, with Kevin Brown and Lincey Lopez being responsible for 13 of those 28 turnovers. As a team No Limit shot 35% from the field, and were even more miserable at a 1 for 15 clip from long distance. They however rebounded the ball well, totaling a game high 54 rebounds as a team, but their inability to take care of the ball was their demise. Kenny brown was their high scorer totaling 16 pts 7 rebs, followed by Marcus Lewis 13 pts 13 rebs. With the loss No Limit now falls to (0-4)