Saturday, January 28, 2017

by Karim Juan

NEBL Commissioner

On Saturday night, San Pedro Tiger Sharks hosted the defending champions, Smart Belize Hurricanes, in a rematch of last year’s finals. The game was played at the San Pedro High School in San Pedro. The visiting squad had a solid first quarter, leading 22 – 19, but in the second quarter San Pedro went on a 7 – 0 scoring run to take a 46 – 34 lead at the half. In the second half the home squad was able to maintain their double digit lead, winning 85 – 75.  American import, George Williams had the game high with 27 points, on 67% field goal shooting, to go with 2 rebounds and 2 assists, while Ashton Edwards finished with 21 points, including 4 shots beyond the three point arc, and shooting 58% from the field.  Raul Roches netted 16 points while grabbing 4 boards and dishing out 3 assists, while Kurt “Chengo” Burgess scored 9 points to go with the game high 14 rebounds, and 5 dimes.  Smart Belize Hurricanes was led by Akeem Watters who tallied 17 points and 3 rebounds and Leroy Louriano who scored 14 points, grabbed 3 rebounds and snatched 2 steals.  Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz finished with 13 points and 5 rebounds and Glency Lopez netted 10 points.

San Pedro Tiger Sharks out-rebounded Smart Belize Hurricanes 31 – 25, while having a 12 – 5 advantage on points off turnovers.  Smart Hurricanes had the 22 – 10 edge on bench points, and an 8 – 0 advantage on fast break points.  San Pedro Tiger Sharks shot 55% from the field, while Smart Belize Hurricanes made 48% of their attempts.