By: Charleston Gladden
After a bitter ending last season with terrible taste in their mouth in semi-finals against the eventual champs, Smart Belize Hurricanes, the Griga Dream Ballers has an opportunity to get their revenge and redeem themselves in the season opener. It’ll be their first of two meetings both teams will be playing for the season, and first time they’re playing against each other in a season opener.
Hurricanes started off the game hot with their tremendous defense. However, Griga kept their composure firm and didn’t lose focus and kept themselves in the game with their three-point shooting. Unfortunately, it wasn’t enough for them to keep up with Hurricanes effort as they finished the first quarter with an eleven-point lead (23 – 12). In the second quarter, Hurricanes increased their lead to a mere fifteen points; largest lead in the game. From 5:50 to 3:33 of the quarter, both teams struggled a single bucket with continuous misses on every possession. Surprisingly Griga had a surge of energy and went on a 12 – 4 scoring run to finish up the first half. They were still down, but only by six points (34 – 28). It was a different story in the second half, as Griga came out aggressive on the Hurricanes like a shark at sea attacking on its prey. Griga went on a 7 – 0 scoring and down by single point, the Hurricanes were saved by the three-point shooting of Glency Lopez and Stephen Williams. Immediately after enter the fourth Griga trimmed the lead to only two points; however, Hurricanes were able to answer back and went on 12 – 0 run with 6:55 remaining. Unfortunately for Griga, they were able to trim down the lead but time wasn’t on their side as it expired. Thus, ending the game with Hurricanes winning with a score of 69 – 62 over the Griga Dream Ballers.
Glency Lopez received Player of the Game finishing with 21 points and 4 assists. Devin Daly tailed behind with 11 points and 7 rebounds. Also, Stephen Williams with a flashy 8 points. Daniel Conorque led Griga Dream Ballers with a double-double of 14 points and 10 rebounds, only Griga player to score double digits. Edgar Mitchell and Quentin Bowen also filled in the scoring column with 9 points respectively.
TIP IN:
Dream Ballers: Never led at any point of the game closes the score came was one point in the third quarter… Jamal Kelly finished the game 8 points and picking up 4 fouls in 20 minutes.
Hurricanes: Jordan Daniels left the game at 4:22 of the first quarter due to a quad strain (right) injury and did not return. Daniels will be evaluated on Monday for workout…. Hurricanes are 4 – 1 against Griga when playing at home.
Celebrity Watch:
Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber was in attendance and gave an opening remark. Also, Belize City Major Darrell Bradly, Anwar and Shyne Barrow, and NEBL Commissioner Karim Juan and family was in attendance.
General Manger Remarks:
Hurricanes general manger Paul Flowers had a few comments about his team performance on opening night, “we won the game with majority of my starters struggling offensively and also my center went down with an injury late first quarter. However, we won with depth and defense and that’s how it was designed. I do believe we have the ability to win another championship.”
UP NEXT:
Dream Ballers: Return home to face Verdes on Saturday January 26th
Hurricanes: Will be on the road against San Pedro on Saturday February 2nd