By: Charleston Gladden

On Thursday night, April 22, 2017, Belmopan Bandits hosted their rivals from the west, Cayo Western Ballaz. In their last meeting earlier this season, Western Ballaz team came out with the win. Now, Belmopan are looking to even out the series and secure home court advantage for the playoffs.

As the game went underway, Cayo Western Ballaz displayed dominancy with their physical defensive plays and excellent play making. Thus, having Belmopan Bandits discombobulated and in foul trouble early through the first portion of the half. Ending that portion with a score of 22 – 14. In the other portion, Belmopan Bandits showed signs of aggressiveness as they try dig themselves out of the deficit, but wasn’t enough for them to take the lead. As a result, they found themselves down with the score settled at 32 – 28 to end the first half. All that was about to change in the second half, when Belmopan went a scoring outburst to keep up with Western Ballaz, who was single handedly led by Darwin Leslie. Eventually, Belmopan Bandits tied the game and turned it into a seesaw affair. Both teams had to prove that they’re the best in the western area and in the league. Due to terrible passing and unnecessary fouls, cost Belmopan Bandits the ball game in the final seconds thus ending their winning streak and giving Cayo Western Ballaz the win with a score of 74 – 73.

Player of the game goes to Darwin Leslie with a game high of 19 points along with 6 rebounds, 5 assists and 4 steals. Shooting 50% from the field and beyond the arch.  Other contributing players for Cayo Western Ballaz were Daniel Nolberto also with 19 points along with 7 steals. Also, Elsworth Itza chipped in with his 14 points and 7 rebounds performance. Top Players for Belmopan Bandits were Richard Smith III with 18 points. Greggory Rudon finished with 16 points and 5 rebounds; coming off the bench. Also, Stephen Williams tallied with 10 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists.