Rafael Barias takes the lead in the TBS Distrito 2026 grand final
The Rafael Barias club started on the right foot in the final series of the 50th Superior Basketball Tournament of the National District (TBS Distrito 2026), after prevailing with a score of 85-79 against Mauricio Báez. This first matchup of the best-of-seven series marked an electrifying start in the battle for the title commemorating the “Golden Anniversary” of this event.
The historic rivalry between Villa Consuelo and Villa Juana moved to the Arena BanReservas Profesor Virgilio Travieso Soto, where the Barianos managed to establish their dominance early on. The Villa Consuelo team knew how to manage the pressure and, despite the attempts at a comeback by Mauricio Báez, sealed a crucial victory to take a 1-0 lead in the series.
Highlights on the court
The Rafael Barias offense was led by Dimas Carrasco, who recorded an impressive double-double of 19 points and 10 rebounds. The offensive display was supported by Marquis Wright, author of 16 points, five assists, and six rebounds, in addition to the key contribution of Eusebio Suero with 11 points and JD Miller, who added 10 units and seven rebounds.
On the losing side, Jhery Matos stood out with 19 points, five assists, and six rebounds. Captain Gerardo Suero contributed 17 points, while reinforcements BJ Fitzgerald and Kevin Obanor added 12 and 11 points, respectively.
Rafael Barias managed to control the pace of the game from the first half, heading into the break with a 46-40 lead, consolidating a collective game that was vital to curb Mauricio Báez’s intensity for the rest of the match.
50th anniversary context
This edition of the TBS Distrito celebrates five decades of history, an event dedicated to the Seaboard “Clean Energy” Company and which competes for the prestigious BanReservas Cup. The organization of the tournament is under the responsibility of the National District Basketball Association (Abadina), headed by Edwin Castillo, together with the organizing committee led by Andrés Bautista and commissioner Nelson Ramírez.
After this first clash, the final series will continue its course next Wednesday starting at 8:00 at night, where Mauricio Báez will seek to tie the series against a Rafael Barias that arrives motivated after the initial triumph.
