Week two of the National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) saw record crowds in basketball arenas countrywide. For the Tiger Sharks, the fate was not their best as they fell to the Cayo Western Ballaz in front of a sea of support. The game took place in San Ignacio, Cayo at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium on Friday February 13th.
Passions were high for the fans out west and they were eager to witness the clash of the two top teams in the league. Given that these two teams met in the finals last season, the tension was in full display at Friday night’s game. This match surely lived up to the hype and intensity, and from tip-off to the final buzzer, the game was an all out bump and grind, as the level of competition was fierce and adrenaline-saturated on the basketball court.
The home team, Cayo Western Ballaz jumped out to an early lead, but the San Pedro Tiger Sharks tenacity surely did not let up, as both teams jostled for every edge, demonstrating a high level of talent, team chemistry and fundamental skills. The Ballaz narrowly won every single quarter showing the fans and the islanders, “who run things” at home. With 2 minutes 13 seconds remaining in the game, the home squad had a 10-point lead. That was until Ashton Edwards single-handedly took over the game and brought the Sharks back into the ball game, as he nailed three consecutive three point daggers into the heart of the Ballaz. This cut the lead to 1 point, with a little under 1 minute remaining in the game. However, in the last few seconds of the game, veteran Keith “Superman” Acosta was able to seal the victory for the home team when he caught two free throws down the stretch, ending the game at 74 – 71.
Western Ballaz were led by Richard Troyer, who had 21 points with 7 rebounds, while Ivan Flowers had another solid game at the point guard position with 14 points and 2 steals. Kurt “Chengo” Burgess finished the night with 12 points and 6 boards, while Kieth Acosta had 7 points and 10 rebounds, including 5 free throws. In a losing effort the Tiger Sharks’, Ashton Edwards had the game high of 22 points, with 6 three-pointers and 6 rebounds, while foreigner, James Milton scored 18 points with 11 rebounds and 2 huge blocked shots, tallying his first double-double of the season. Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz provided a spark for the visiting team off the bench, finishing with 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Results from other game
Dangriga Warriors (76) Vs Orange Walk Running Rebels (65)
Belize City Hurricane (86) Vs Belize City No Limits (62)
Toledo Diplomats (76) Vs Belmopan Red Taigaz (95)
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks get to play their first home game on Saturday February 21st when they will meet Belize City Hurricanes. The game starts at 8PM at the Angel Nuñez Auditorium and Tiger Sharks supporters are being encouraged to come in black T-shirt. Entrance to the game is $5.00.
Share
Read more
