By: Charleston Gladden

On Thursday night, March 30th 2017, Belmopan Bandits looked on extended their win streak as they hosted Orange Walk Running Rebels at the UB Gymnasium. In their last meeting, Belmopan Bandits came out with the victory by only 1 point. Now, Orange Walk are looking to get their revenge against Belmopan, even out the season series and also have their playoff hopes alive.

In the opening quarter, Orange Walk Running Rebels used their big men and agile guards along with excellent defensive plays to their advantage; as they’re able to have lead at the end of the quarter with a score of 20 – 14. But that was all going to change in the second, when Belmopan Bandits successfully executed few key plays to cut the lead and felt motived to take the lead, which they did. Ending the quarter with a 3 point lead with a score of 34 – 31 to end the first half. Throughout in the second half, Belmopan Bandits showed signs of dominancy and extending their lead, but unfortunately that lead vanished when Orange Walk Running Rebels wouldn’t let up and took back their lead. In the final minutes of the ball game, Running Rebels had a commanding lead and were looking to upset Belmopan Bandits at home. Due to terrible handling of the basketball and missed shots, Belmopan Bandits were able to slowly gain back their lead with very little time remaining and getting their 4th straight win.

Player of the game goes to Farron Louriano who finished with a double-double of 19 points and 13 rebounds; shooting 60% from the field. Other contributing players for Belmopan Bandits are Stephen Williams 14 points and 4 rebounds. Also, Richard Smith III contributed 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 steals. Top Players for Orange Walk Running Rebels were Randy Usher with 19 points and 8 rebounds. Also, Roger Reneau, who was 2 assists shy of a triple-double, tallied 15 points, 11 rebounds, and 8 assists. James Ewing registered another double-double with 13 points and 13 rebounds.