Pueblo Arriba Wins Title in Santiago Rodríguez Superior Basketball Tournament
The Club Pueblo Arriba was crowned champion of the XXIV Superior Basketball Tournament with reinforcements from Santiago Rodríguez, after defeating La Joya with a score of 76-61 in an exciting match held at the José “Chachito” Rodríguez sports center.
This triumph marks the ninth title in the history of Pueblo Arriba, who demonstrated a remarkable ability to react in the final series, achieving four consecutive victories after starting with a 0-2 disadvantage. The team was led by Alan Saint-Hilaire and Víctor Peña.
The match began with La Joya taking the lead with a 10-0 run in the first few minutes, which forced Pueblo Arriba to call a timeout. Pueblo Arriba’s response was immediate, closing the first quarter with a surge that reduced the difference and leveled the game.
The first half was a constant exchange of leadership and high intensity. La Joya went into halftime with a 41-38 lead, thanks to their control of the rebounds and taking advantage of their opponent’s personal foul problems.
In the second half, the panorama changed completely. Pueblo Arriba imposed its strength in the painted area, with the performance of Marlon Saint-Hilaire and Luis Morel, dominating the third quarter 21-13 and taking a 59-54 lead for the last period.
The collective effort was crucial in securing the championship, highlighting the depth of the champion team, which widely surpassed its opponent in points from the bench (23-5), and its teamwork, reflected in 19 assists.
At the individual level, Marlon Saint-Hilaire led Pueblo Arriba with a double-double of 20 points and 11 rebounds, followed by Luis Morel, who contributed 19 units and eight rebounds. Odalis Rosario also had an outstanding performance with 15 points and seven rebounds.
For La Joya, Luis Peña led the offense with 24 points and eight rebounds, while Darlin Susaña added 12 points and seven rebounds, and Luis Durán recorded 11 rebounds and seven points.
This victory establishes Pueblo Arriba as one of the most successful franchises in the superior basketball of Santiago Rodríguez, consolidating its tradition and prominence in the tournament.
