By: Charleston Gladden
On Saturday night, February 18th Belize City No Limit hosted their bitter rivals from the city, Smart Belize Hurricanes at the Belize Elementary Gym. It has been a rough start for Belize City No Limit, losing all their games so far, seeking their first win of the season. It was a family match-up between Lincey Lopez of Belize City No Limit and Glency Lopez of Smart Hurricanes. Both brothers are playing against each other for the first time this season and also for the first time in the NEBL. This game also featured the return of last season’s head coach, Darren Bovell, of Smart Belize Hurricanes.
As the game tipped off, Smart Belize Hurricanes were discombobulated, turning over the ball continuously, leading the opposing team to capitalize on their mistakes, while the defending champs was digging a hole for themselves. At midpoint of the opening quarter, Belize No Limit were up 10, with a score of 12 – 2, but by the end of the quarter, the lead was cut to 19 – 15. In the early part of the second quarter, the game was eventually tied with a jumper made by Akeem Watters and later momentarily Smart Hurricanes eventually took a one point lead that was short lived, as Belize City No Limit took a commanding 12 point lead at the half, with a score of 44 – 32. In the second half, Smart Hurricanes were trying to not let the game get out of hand, as No Limits’ lead was cut to 7 points, 54 – 47, going into the final quarter. As quarter number four went underway, the game seemed impossible to be brought back, as Belize City No Limit were increasing their lead as time was winding down, as the No Limits’ lead was extended to 16 points, with 4 minutes remaining in regulation. Fortunately, luck was with Smart Belize Hurricanes, as they went on a 17 – 5 scoring run; leaving the score at 72 – 70, as time stood at 30 seconds. However, they didn’t have sufficient luck as Belize City No Limit sank 3 clutch free-throws ending the game at 75-70. The victory gave Belize City No Limit their first win of the season, ending their 4-game losing streak while giving Smart Belize Hurricanes their third loss in five games, ending their 2-game win streak.
Players contributing for Belize City No Limit were Marcus Lewis with 16 points and 6 rebounds, Kenny Brown with 14 points and 8 rebounds. Marcel Orosco tallied 12 points and 4 rebounds, and a key player to help secure the win was Lincey Lopez with 10 points, 8 assists, 7 steals, and 5 rebounds. Players contributing for Smart Belize Hurricanes were Brian White with 20 points and 6 rebounds and Glency Lopez with 14 points, 6 assists, and 2 steals coming off the bench. Winston Pratt finished the game with 13 points, 4 rebounds and 2 assists and Akeem Watters with 12 points and 5 rebounds.