by Charleston Gladden

In one of the long awaited rematches of the season between Smart Belize Hurricanes and Verdes, Verdes gave the home crowd confidence and something to cheer about after earning their first win against Belmopan Bandits last week.

Smart Belize Hurricanes started off to an 8 – 0 hot streak forcing Verdes to call a timeout to strategize their game plan. Successfully, Verdes were able to trim the lead down to a one possession game and eventually tie the game at 18 with 1:13 in the first quarter.  Verdes was able to finish the first quarter with a six point lead, with a score of 25 – 19. While in the second quarter it was a back and forth game with both teams scoring at will, but it was Smart Belize Hurricanes who were the ones to win that scoring match, as they outscored Verdes 20 – 15 for that quarter, but still were down by one going into halftime as the score was set at 40 – 39. In the third, the leads switched numerous times until Smart Belize Hurricanes were able to go on a 9 – 0 run and extending their lead to twelve. Verdes were able to trim down the deficit, thus giving the team and their home fans something to be excited about, but it wasn’t the case as Kurt Burgess of Smart Belize Hurricanes were able to seal the victory with two crucial free throws and giving Smart Belize Hurricanes the win with a score of 79 – 74.

Player of the game goes to Kurt Burgess of Smart Belize Hurricanes with 17 points and 15 rebounds. Other key players were Akeem Watters with 16 points and 11 rebounds. Glency Lopez with 16 points and 7 assists. Top players for Verdes are Richard Troyer with 22 points, and Darnell Oden with 16 points coming off the bench, the only two players scoring in double digit.

TIP IN:  

Verdes: Guard Isaiah Thomas suffered a knee contusion (left) in the second quarter with 3:08 remaining.  He returned in the third, but did not play the remainder of the game, finishing the game with 8 points.  Elsworth Itza was also unavailable due to a suspension he was serving.

Hurricanes: Brian White did not play (DNP) due to a bruised knee (right)… Eyan Rene got his first start of the season finished the game with 8 points… Nicholas Philips made his season debut, playing 1:13 minutes.

UP NEXT:  

Verdes: Visits Orange Walk on March 3rd, 2018

Hurricanes: Plays DigiCell Belize City Defenders on March 9th, 2018