By: Charleston Gladden

On Saturday, March 26, Belmopan Bandits travelled down south to face off against their bitter rivals, Dangriga Dream Ballers at the Ecumenical High School Auditorium. In their previous meeting, it was Dangriga who came out with the win and now they’re looking to sweep the season series against Belmopan Bandits. As both teams are seeded for the playoffs, they’ll need to play each game crucial and try not to lose their playoff positioning.

Dangriga Dream Ballers were on a hot start to open the quarter; forcing Bandits to take contested and undesirable shots. As a result, they were up 7 – 2 throughout the first quarter before the score was tied up at 10 at the end of the quarter. In the second quarter, both teams were offensively sound as the score was tied multiple times in the early portions. But the score was in favor of Dangriga, as they held a 3 point lead with a score of 31 – 28 going into halftime. It was in the second half, when Belmopan Bandits showed signs of determination to win as they took a commanding lead throughout the third and fourth quarter. It was in the final minutes of the fourth were Dangriga brought the score very close, but were unable to tie nor take the lead. Thus, causing the Belmopan Bandits to win the game with a score of 69 – 65.

Player of the game goes to Richard Smith III also with a double-double of 14 points and 14 rebounds. Other contributing player for Belmopan Bandits were Stephen Williams and Keith Acosta, both with a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds respectively. Also, Gregory Rudon chipped in with 14 points along with 3 assists. Top players for Dangriga Dream Ballers were Dillmore Conorquie 15 points and 9 rebounds along with 3 assists. Big man, Tahj Wells, with 15 rebounds and 14 points. Hyram Augustine finished the game with 8 points and Quinton Bowen finished with 9 rebounds and 7 points.