by Charles Gladden
BELIZE CITY, Mon. June 24, 2024
The best-of-five series of the 2024 Belize Elite Basketball League (BEBL) finals between Belize Hurricanes and Belize City Defenders kicked off over the weekend at the Belize City Civic Center with Games 1 and 2 being played, which left the series tied at 1-1.
The finals kicked off on Friday, June 21, with the Hurricanes taking control of Game 1 and securing a 24-point victory. Throughout the first half, the game was quite close, with neither team being potentially victorious; however, the Hurricanes came out swinging in the second half, and the Defenders seemed not to be able to respond to the increased intensity of their opponent. The game ended, 87–63.
Amar Ross and Glency Lopez were the top scorers for the Hurricanes with 19 and 18 points, respectively. Daniel Estes led the Defenders with a double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds, and Devin Daly had 11 points.
After the loss in Game 1, the Defenders bounced back in Game 2 on Sunday, June 23, and managed to tie the series at 1-1.
The Defenders started strong, holding the lead in the first quarter, but going into half-time the score was all tied up at 30. In the third quarter, either team could have taken control of it, as the lead swayed in both directions; but in the home stretch, the two-time MVP Nigel Jones sank two free throws for the Defenders to secure a 1-point victory, 62–61.
Jones led the way for the Defenders with 14 points and 8 rebounds, followed by Devin Daly with 13 pts and 7 rebs. For Hurricanes, Glency Lopez netted 13 points and 9 rebounds (fouling out).
Games 3 and 4 will be hosted by the Belize City Defenders, which will be held on Friday, June 28, and Sunday, June 30.
Game 5 (if necessary) will be played on July 5.