In semi-pro basketball played on Friday night at the City Center, the Belize Bank Bulldogs played their first of four home games for the 2007 season, and, despite another of their players succumbing to knee injury (Brian Grant), nevertheless withstood the early charge by the young and upstart BNE Oilers, and wound up winning in a blow-out, 80-64. The Oilers were able to get out to a quick 8-2 lead in the early going, but a 10-0 run by the Bulldogs, sparked by two thunderous dunks by Bahamian Judson Stubbs (14 pts), the exciting open-court play of Tyrone “Joka’ Edwards, and the hot shooting of sophomore Ronald Rivers (16 pts) from behind three-point territory, gave the Bulldogs a lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game. Belmopan was led by 2004 Rookie of the Year, Christian Rodriguez, who totaled 15 pts, and Aubrey Lopez, who had 11 pts.
The Bulldogs, who are now 1-1, will now travel to Orange Walk on Friday night to meet the Eagles; meanwhile, the Oilers (0-1) will try to rebound at home on Thursday night, when they host the (0-1) Corozal Runnin Rebels, who fell at home 76-73 to the now 2-0 San Pedro Tigersharks on Saturday night. The contest was a highly competitive game, and if not for two key turnovers late in the fourth quarter, the Runnin Rebels could have pulled out the upset. Keith Acosta had a big night for the Tigersharks, totaling 27 pts, while his teammate Damian Staples recorded his first double double, with 22 pts 13 rebs. The Runnin Rebels had Andre Almendarez tallying 18 pts 8 rebs, while Alfred Bainton contributed 16 pts, and Jason Daly 14 pts.