by Charleston Gladden

In a do or die game for the Dream Ballers after getting blown away last week in Belize City, Griga Dream Ballers had to defend home court if they wanted to live to see another day. They’re looking to redeem themselves and not let history repeat itself for the fourth consecutive year. While for Smart Belize Hurricanes they too are chasing history as well, being the only team not to play a game 3 in the semi-finals and trying to do so in a hostile environment.

Griga started out the game hot, making 2 back-to-back three pointers, but Hurricanes’ very own Akeem Watters healed the wound.  However, that still wasn’t enough as Dream Ballers kept scoring at every opportunity they can. Thus, ending the first with a 12-point lead (20 – 8). While in the second quarter with a comfortable lead, the Dream Ballers inserted their bench players to give their starters an early rest but their rest would end shortly as Smart Belize Hurricanes were able to rally themselves out of the hole and eventually tying and taking the lead. Ending the half with a 1-point lead (28 – 27).  In second half both teams exchanged baskets till the very end and didn’t give any letting up what so ever. With the game on the line and Hurricanes up by 1 (69 – 68), Daniel Conorque of Griga Dream Ballers went through the lane and leaned back way and floated the ball over his defender, hitting the game winning shot with 22 seconds remaining in regulation.  Hurricanes created an isolation play for Devin Daly to go one-on-one, but was fouled in the act of shooting causing him to go to the line with 3.1 seconds remaining. However, the fans disagreed with the referee call and began to come onto the court and confronting the ref, causing the game to be delayed for about 10 minutes until police officers were able to restrain those fans that were disorderly.  After everything had calmed down Devin Daley went to the line and he missed the first free throw. The crowd erupted in excitement. He also missed the second attempt that gave Griga their first playoff win in franchise history, with a score of 70 – 69.

NEBL Commissioner, Karim Juan, was in attendance watching the game from the stands.

Daniel Nolberto of Griga Dream Ballers receives the player of the game honors with a 23 point performance. Other top performers for Dream Ballers were Tahj Wells with a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds. Macario Augustine finished with 12 rebounds and 6 points. Top players for Smart Belize Hurricanes are Glency Lopez with 19 points and Kurt Burgess with a double-double of 15 points and 11 rebounds.  Devin Daly finished the game with 9 points and Akeem Watters with 8 points.

TIP-IN:

DREAM BALLERS: Won their first playoff game in franchise history…….. Daniel Conorque hits the game winning floater with 22 seconds remaining, finishing the game with 9 points.

HURRICANES: lost their first semi-final game in franchise history.

POSSIBLE OUTCOMES:

We know what happened when Devin Daly missed both free throws, but what if he would’ve made both of them or one to force overtime? What if Devin would have made both, the Dream Ballers’ fan would’ve erupted in anger even more and continue being disorderly after a controversial foul call. Hurricanes would have swept Griga, but at what cost? Having one of their best players being attacked by fans and starting a riot in the process. What if Devin would’ve made one and force overtime? Both teams would play extra minutes and a different outcome would occurred.