by: Charleston Gladden

After coming off a well fought win last week on the road against DigiCell Belize City Defenders, Belmopan Bandits are looking to gather back their composer after losing their first two games at home and have themselves in the right position for the second half of the season. They’re matched up against Orange Walk Running Rebels who are struggling to win a single game and seeking to get their first win in Belmopan.

From the tip, Belmopan Bandits were on the attack but Running Rebels were right on their tails. Until 5:29 in the first quarter Rebels had their first lead by a three point shot by James Ewing and giving them the up most confidence that they were able to win; while having a six point lead to finish the quarter with the score at 24 – 18. That lead was vanished in a matter of minutes in the second quarter while Bandits were able to go on an 11 – 0 run and took back their lead and forcing Running Rebels to make some crucial substitutions to get back in the game. However, those changes still wasn’t enough for them to take back the lead as they were still down at the end of the first half with the score settled at 43 – 38. In the third quarter, Belmopan Bandits extended their lead to 10 forcing Orange Walk Running Rebels to call a timeout and regroup. Whatever was said to them in the huddle for Orange Walk seem to spark a fire within them and went on a little run of their own making it a one possession game going into in the fourth quarter, but Belmopan utilized their American Import, Luther Page, in the post and rebound leaving Running Rebels puzzled without an answer to contain him. Thus, winning the game for Belmopan with a score 82 – 73 and snapping their losing streak at home.

Player of the game goes to Luther Page with a game high of 25 points and 12 rebounds. Also, Gregory Rudon with 18 points and 5 assists. Farron Louriano finished with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks and Stephen Williams with 11 points. Top players for Orange Walk Running Rebels were Roger Reneau with a team high of 16 points coming off the bench. James Ewing, only starter in double digits, had 14 points and 9 rebounds. Also, Lennox Bowman with 10 points.

TIP IN

Running Rebels: Gregory Buckley got his first start as a rookie and finished 4 points and 5 rebounds… Hired Kheen Pelayo as Interim Head Coach after firing Brads Neal after starting the season to a 0-3 and losing by an average of 26 points.

Bandits: Quinton Bowen had 4 points and 10 rebounds… Season debut for sharpshooter, Dane Bradley but DNP after releasing F Anfernee Lopez due to differences between the coaching staff.

UP NEXT

Running Rebels: Visits San Pedro on February 24th, 2018

Bandits: Host Smart Belize Hurricanes on February 22nd, 2018