by Bernard Wagner

NEBL In The Paint

GAME NIGHT MATCH-UP STATS

Hurricanes	84.3PPG	41RPG	10.3APG
Dream Ballers	76.5PPG	54.5RPG	14.0APG

 

KEY PLAYERS

	Akeem Waters	Hurricanes	19.0PPG	6.3RPG	0.3APG	50.0 F/G%
	Quinton Bowen	Dream Ballers	16.5PPG	15.0RPG	2.5APG	44.0F/G%

The Dream Ballerscouldn’t have found a more inopportune time to visit the defending champion Hurricanes than tonight, when the teams meet at the SCA Auditorium.

The Hurricanes, despite their (1-2) record are riding high following last week’s impressive win againstthe Western Ballaz from Cayo, who ironically defeated the Dream Ballers about 2 weeks ago.And, if that isn’t enoughassurance for a successful showing tonight, then certainly the fact that they have been dominant in theirhead to head match-up with the Dream Ballers, winning three of four meetings since the inception of the NEBL in 2014, certainly should providethe required impetus for a sure win.

Conversely, the Dream Ballers go into the game, playing .500 ball with a (1-1) record, with their only win to date, coming on the road against Belize City No Limit. Historically, they have not had much success on the road, having an all-time record of 9-13 since entering the league in 2014. The Dream Ballers offensively scores about 76.5 ppg, while allowing close to same. Obviously they will need to slow down the pace and play to their strengths, which is controlling the defensive glass, which ultimately should limit second chance opportunities for the defending champs. Additionally, they are also anticipating that with the loss of the offensive arsenal inDarwin Leslie and Farron Louriano, the Hurricanes offensive prowess may have been adversely impacted, given that these two former players, perennially were Dream Ballers killers.

In the final analysis both teams have undergone significant personnel changes, the visiting Dream Ballers no longer has Edgar Mitchell and James Ewing, who were huge for them all time against the Hurricanes. Similarly, the Hurricanes are without Leslie’s and the Louriano’s, and essentially are relying on the young guns of Akeem Watters, Leroy Louriano and Andrew Ortiz, although this trio could only muster an average of 7.5 ppg against the Dream Ballers in last year’s two regular season meetings.

 

 

WILL THE LUCKY 7 BE THE CHARM THAT ENDS THE REBELS DROUGHT AGAINST THEBANDITS

GAME NIGHT MATCH-UP STATS

Bandits	80.0PPG	37.0RPG	15.6APG
Running Rebels	75.0PPG	18.0RPG	20.0APG

 

KEY PLAYERS

	Richard Smith III	Bandits	15.0PPG	7.0RPG	0.6APG	51.0 F/G%
	James Ewing	Running Rebels	20.0PPG	9.0RPG	4.0APG	89.0F/G%

Will it be the same old, same old? Or will tonight be the night that the Orange Walk Running Rebels finally end their 6 game losing streak against the Belmopan Bandits? This exercise in futility by the Running Rebels dates back to the inaugural season of the NEBL in 2014. Shockingly, since that date the Bandits have had their way with the Rebels winning all six meetings in convincing fashion, with a point differential of almost +18, and rebounding at +15. More disturbingly though, is the fact that it does not matter whether they are at home or on the road. The Bandits, seemingly have the number of the Rebels, and it is now squarely in the hands of Head Coach, Brads Neal and newly acquired big-man, James Ewing to reverse this trend. Will tonight be the night or will it be more of the same?To their disadvantage,  the Rebels typically do not play well on the road, as a matter of fact they are at a miserable 2-18 all-time on the road, and will obviously need to change this narrative if they have any championship ambition.

The Bandits on the other hand is a proven bunch, and despite a poor showing on the road last week in San Pedro, are obviously eager to get back to some home cooking.

 

 

BELIZE CITY NO LIMIT OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THEIR CHANCES AGAINST CAYO BALLERS

GAME NIGHT MATCH-UP STATS

Western Ballaz	71.3PPG	37.0RPG	10.6APG
No Limit	72.3PPG	38.0RPG	18.3APG

 

KEY PLAYERS

	Darwin Leslie	Ballaz	19.6PPG	3.6RPG	2.6APG	38.0 F/G%
	Marcus Lewis	No Limit	17.0PPG	5.0RPG	0.6APG	44.0F/G%

As if this match-uptraditionally weren’t already tight. Then tonight’s game to be played at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium should essentially be more of the same with both teams currently reeling after devastating losses suffered last week.

There is not a more even match-up in this weekend’s slate of games than the No Limit/Western Ballaz match-up. And if I were a betting man, I would venture to say that this game may turn out to be the best game of the weekend.

While the visiting No-Limit team is yet to post its first victory, this series remain evenly keel with the all-time series tied; both teams having won 3 and loss 3. The visitors have average 70.5 points per game against the Ballaz, while the latter averages 68 points per game against No Limit.  Strangely, in its wins, No limit has won by an average of 19 pts, while the Ballaz has won by an average of 14 points. So while the series has been even, it has not necessarily been close games. Maybe tonight that does change, and we have a nail-biter.

The Ballaz strength has clearly been their domination on the boards, they have been able to outrebound No Limits in 5 of their 6 meetings, averaging 43.6RPG to No Limit’s 38.1RPG.  However this barometer is misleading, as it has not resulted in more wins for the Ballaz. All in all this should be good one in Cayo tonight.