SAN IGNACIO TOWN, CAYO, Sun. May 7, 2017–The Pepsi NEBL playoffs continued this past weekend, where Belmopan Bandits (#3) were able to sweep the Dangriga Dream Ballers (#2) in the first two games. For the first time in their franchise history, Belmopan Bandits clinched a spot in the NEBL finals on Thursday night, as they narrowly defeated Dangriga Dream Ballers, 76–72, at the UB gymnasium in Belmopan.
On Friday night, Cayo Western Ballaz hosted the defending sub champions, San Pedro Tiger Sharks, at the Sacred Heart College auditorium in San Ignacio in a must win situation, having their backs against the wall. They were able to pull out the 75–63 victory at home, forcing a decisive game 3 back on the island this coming weekend. The date and time for this game will be confirmed later today. However, league leading scorer, and this season’s Most Valuable Player (MVP), George Williams was unable to play due to a foot injury. His ability to play in game 3 will have a huge impact on the outcome of the game, due to his scoring, leadership and ball-handling skills. The winner of this game will advance to the finals versus Belmopan Bandits. The finals will also use a best-of-three format.
Game 3 will surely be crucial for both franchises. Cayo Western Ballaz has never defeated San Pedro Tiger Sharks in the playoffs, where both times they were sub-champions after falling to San Pedro Tiger Sharks in the first 2 NEBL seasons. For San Pedro, they are trying to reach the NEBL finals for the fourth year in a row, which speaks of their dominance in the league over the past 4 years.
Playoff Schedule – Semifinal Game 3
Sunday, May 14 at 1:30 p.m. – San Pedro Tiger Sharks (#1) vs Cayo Western Ballaz (#4) at San Pedro High School in San Pedro Town.