By: Charleston Gladden
After the lost last week against Verdes, the Belize City Defenders are looking to redeem themselves as they’re facing the nation’s capital very own Belmopan Bandits and obtain their first win of the season. While on the other hand, Belmopan Bandits are looking to start off the season right with a win on the road. Last season both teams took away home court advantage from the other.
Defenders started out the game out hot and at one point obtained a six point lead; however, Belmopan Bandits were right on their tail trailing and weren’t able to take the lead in the first quarter. Thus ending it in down by five (19 – 14). But in the early portions of the second quarter, Belmopan Bandits were able to go on an 8 – 0 scoring run and giving them the lead. From the 4:23 mark to halftime it was a tight and competitive ball game as both teams were exchanging baskets, but at halftime the scoring has to end with Belmopan with a one point lead (30 – 29). Once again Bandits went on an 8 – 0 run and were looking create some distance between them and Defenders. However, Bandits forgot that they were playing against a team that were in the finals last June as they were able to tie up the game at 40 with 3:39 remaining in the third quarter. The remaining of the third and portions of the fourth both teams exchanged baskets as neither wanted to give any spillage what so ever to either team. At the 1:59 mark, Defenders had gained a six point lead and were more than positive that they were going to receive their first win of the season. Unfortunately in between that little time it was all Daniel Nolberto as was able to sink crucial free-throws down the stretch, and the game winning basket to give the Belmopan Bandits their first win of the season with a score of 68 – 66.
Daniel Nolberto receives the Player of the Game honours finishing with 22 points and 4 assists. Kevon Lauire contributed with 8 points and 8 rebounds. Kyle Pascascio and Darnell Oden both tallied with 7 points respectively. Belize City Defenders were led by the reigning, Nigel Jones with13 points and 4 assists. Elvis Olivera with 13 points and 6 rebounds and Gregory Rudon followed behind with 10 points.
TIP IN:
Defenders: Lorenzo Dillard scored 7 points… Darwin “Puppy” Leslie received a technical foul after confronting Jevonte Huges… Deputy Prime Minister Hon. Patrick Faber was in attendance.
Bandits: Jevonte Huges received a technical foul during a scuffle between him and Darwin “Puppy” Leslie, thus giving him his final foul to exit the game. Huges finished the game with a double-double of 16 points and 11 rebounds in 24 minutes. Rassi Jenkins finished with 14 rebounds and 2 points… Team owner Hon. John Saldivar was in attendance sitting courtside.
UP NEXT:
Defenders: Continue three-game home stand against Orange Walk on February 1st
Bandits: Will start three-game stand aganist Griga on February 1st