Inaugural Triumphs in the LNB Super League Qualifier
Santo Domingo – The elimination phase of the LNB Super League kicked off on the right foot for the Metros de Santiago, Gigantes del Cibao and Héroes de Moca, who secured victories in a day marked by offensive balance and defensive solidity.
In Santiago, the Metros defeated the Reales de La Vega with a score of 91-78 at the Oscar Gobaira Arena. Florent Thamba and Jordan Hall led the offense, scoring 19 and 18 points respectively. Thamba also contributed with 9 rebounds, while Hall added 6 assists. Tony Cracknell contributed 16 points for the Metros, who now hold a record of 13-4, consolidating themselves at the top of the tournament.
The Metros showed high efficiency in their shots, with 53% effectiveness, and limited the Royals to only three three-pointers out of 16 attempts. For the Royals, Malachi Richardson stood out with 25 points, followed by Ramón Galloway with 17 points and 8 rebounds.
In San Francisco de Macorís, the Gigantes Basketball Club defeated the Cañeros del Este with a score of 85-81 in a close match. Charles Brown Jr. led the Gigantes with 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists. Francis Fitzgerald added 20 points, and Luismal Ferreiras achieved a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds.
The Giants tied the Mets’ record, standing at 13-4, while the Cañeros fell to 8-9, despite the 18 points from Yeison Colomé and Marvin Smith.
In Moca, the Heroes dominated the Titans of the South with a score of 90-68 at the Moca 85 sports complex. Jayson Valdez was the key figure with 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists, followed by Kevin Obanor with 17 points.
The Heroes’ strong defense was crucial in neutralizing the Titans, who struggled to stay competitive. The Heroes improved their record to 10-7, securing third place in the championship.
The elimination phase will continue this Tuesday with the Titans facing the Metros in San Cristóbal and the Cañeros playing against the Héroes in La Romana.
