SAN IGNACIO, CAYO, Sun. Feb. 22, 2015–Week 3 of the second annual National Elite Basketball League (NEBL) season continued to roll this weekend, as teams took the court on a quest to separate themselves from the pack. Fans are reminded that all games have a live webcast, where the play-by-play along with box scores are available for all games. Fans can follow every game live on the internet, as scores are in real time. The games can be accessed from our website at nebl.sportingpulse.net.
Belmopan Red Taigaz handed Dangriga Warriors their first loss
On Thursday night, the Belmopan Red Taigaz (2-1) hosted their first home game to a massive crowd at the UB gymnasium, as then undefeated Dangriga Warriors, now (2-1), made their way to the nation’s capital, trying to keep their perfect record untarnished. The home team came out blazing, taking an early 14-4 lead to open the game, finishing the quarter with a comfortable 29-10 lead. Dangriga Warriors were unable to put together a consistent run, as they could not close the huge deficit to single digits. As a result, the home team easily secured a 77-51 victory, handing Dangriga Warriors, now (2-1), their first loss of the season. Belmopan Red Taigaz was led by Jarrel “Bird” Velasquez who tallied 19 points with 7 boards, while the hot shooting of Kyle Pascasio got the home team going as the game began, as he finished with 14 points, which included four three pointers. Jamal Harris finished the night with 11 points, while Stephen “Muerte” Williams netted 9 points. In a losing effort for the Warriors, Daniel “Buddy” Nolberto scored 12 points, while Trevaughn Usher was able to contribute 11 points.
Belize City No Limit scored their first win of the season
On Saturday night, Belize City No Limit (1-2) hosted the Orange Walk Running Rebels (1-2) at Bird’s Isle in Belize City, as the home team was able to record their first win of the season, easily handing the visitors a 70-50 defeat. Belize City No Limit was led by Gregory “Chippy” Rudon, who sank 16 points with 6 rebounds and 5 assists, while Brandon Rodgers chipped in 15 points and 5 rebounds. The balanced scoring attack of the home team was evident, given 5 players reached double digits in scoring, with Rhetton Belisle, Lennox Bowman and Kevin Domingo netting 12, 11 and 10 points, respectively. In a losing effort, Orange Walk Running Rebels were led by Randy Usher, who had 12 points and 2 rebounds, while Roger Reneau and Alton Herrera finished the night with 6 points apiece.
San Pedro Tiger Sharks bounces back
The Belize Hurricanes (1-2) traveled to San Pedro (2-1) to take on the defending champions at the San Pedro High School on Saturday night. Belize Hurricanes had a 12-point lead in the first half, and at the end of the third quarter, Belize Hurricanes were down just three, giving a run at a huge upset on the island, where San Pedro Tiger Sharks are boasting a perfect home record in the two NEBL seasons. No visiting team has won on their home court. However, San Pedro Tiger Sharks were able to hold their own, opening the lead in the final quarter, to safely secure a 91-73 victory. San Pedro Tiger Sharks were led by their foreign player, Milton James, who had 21 points with 9 rebounds, while Ashton Edwards scored 19 points, including 4 three-pointers. Andrew “Bynum” Ortiz sank 17 points with 4 rebounds, and Darwin “Puppy” Leslie finished the night with 15 points and 6 assists. In a losing effort, Belize Hurricanes were led by Jermaine Small who recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 boards, while Brian White scored 16 points and ripped 8 rebounds. Winston Pratt finished the night with 15 points, while Tariq Middleton scored 12 points.
Western Ballaz rolls, to remain as the only undefeated team
On Saturday night, the Cayo Western Ballaz (3-0) took the league’s only undefeated record way down south to take on the winless Toledo Diplomats (0-3) at the Julian Cho Technical High School. Despite some delays, the game commenced at 10:15 p.m., with the visiting team claiming the spoils, securing a 96-80 victory in Toledo. Cayo Western Ballaz was led by Richard Troyer, who set the NEBL scoring record with 43 points on 71% shooting from the field, and 5 for 5 from the charity stripe, while also setting an NEBL record with 8 three pointers in the game. He finished the game with a double-double, adding 13 boards to his stat line, while dishing out 2 assists and tallying 2 steals. Johan “Cutto” Bermudez gave them a spark off the bench with 10 points, while Elvert Ariola sank 10 points on his return to his hometown, and Emerson King finished the night with 9 points. For the home team, Toledo Diplomats was led by the league’s top scorer, Michael Babbles, who netted 34 points and grabbed 2 rebounds, while Shamir Martinez tallied a double-double with 18 points and 10 caroms. Evon Lino finished the night with 8 points and 6 rebounds.
Upcoming games
On Friday night, Belmopan Red Taigaz (2-1) will head to the city to take on Belize City No Limit (1-2) at Bird’s Isle, with tip-off being at 9:00 p.m.; while on Saturday night, Cayo Western Ballaz (3-0) will travel down south to the culture capital to try and keep their unbeaten streak alive, as they will take on the Dangriga Warriors (2-1). Also on Saturday night, Belize Hurricanes (1-2) will travel up north to take on the Orange Walk Running Rebels (1-2) at the Orange Walk Multi Purpose Complex, as both teams are hoping to secure their second win of the season; while San Pedro Tiger Sharks (2-1) will travel down south to take on Toledo Diplomats (0-3), who stole a game from the defending champs last year on their home turf. All Saturday games commence at 8:00 p.m.
NOTE: Due to the availability of playing venues, there have been a few changes in the schedule. Belize City No Limit will now host all their home games at Bird’s Isle in Belize City, while San Pedro Tiger Sharks will play all their home games at the San Pedro High School.
NEBL 2015 – Basketball at its best!