By: Charleston Gladden

On Thursday night, March 2, Belmopan Bandits hosted their rivals from the south, Dangriga Dream Ballers, at the UB Gym. Both teams are tied with a record of 3-2; as they are fighting for positioning in the standings and dominancy throughout the season. Dangriga has won their last 2 games and are now looking to extend their win streak, while Belmopan is coming out of a disappointing loss last week, and they are trying to get back their composure to finish the first half of the season on a positive note.

As the game tipped off, it was a see-saw affair throughout the early portions of the first quarter. The remainder of the quarter, Dangriga showed signs of dominance with their inside play and rebounding. However, Belmopan were able to answer back with great shooting, and they ended the quarter with a two point lead,  with a score of 23 – 21. Throughout the second quarter, Belmopan showed signs of life and extended their lead; however, Dangriga had an answer for every possession and brought themselves back; ending the first half with a one point lead, 40 – 39. As the second half went underway, Belmopan came out with that strive to win and obtained a lead of 7. That lead was short-lived when Dangriga came back and tied the game at 53. The reminder of the quarter was a see-saw affair as both teams tried to secure the lead, but Belmopan we able to hold on to a 6 point lead going into the final quarter. In the final quarter, it was a completely different ball game, where Belmopan seemed exhausted and disorientated as very little were falling for them. Thus, giving Dangriga the opportunity to eventually tie up the game and take the lead with crucial free throws. As a result, Dangriga ran away with the win, by the score of 90 – 81; making it their third straight win this season. This win also places Dangriga in second place in the ranking.

Player of the game goes to Tahj Wells with a monstrous game of 30 points and 14 rebounds along with 2 blocked shots. Other contributing players for Dangriga Dream Ballers were Dillmore Conorquie with 23 points and 6 rebounds and Quinton Bowen with 19 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. Top players for Belmopan Bandits were Farron Louriano with 20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 steals and Stephen Williams with 16 points and Edgar Mitchell trailed with 10 points and 6 assists.