The Murallas de San Lázaro team left few doubts about why it is the champion team, after a forceful presentation in which they defeated Club Calero 89-51 (21-13 / 22-13 / 19-10 / 27-15) , in what was the first game of the National Women’s Basketball League (LNBF).
In a match held at the second hour, the Leñeras de Los Mina defeated the Águilas de Guachupita by a minimum 68-67, in a commitment in which the first overtime of the championship was played.
Both games are early games, after the LNBF opening was postponed last Thursday, August 12, due to the effects of Storm Fred. The official opening will be on Tuesday.
Cheisy Carola Hernández and Ashley Rojas each scored 16 points to lead the triumph of the two-time LNBF champions in a match held at the Palacio de los Deportes Virgilio Travieso Soto. Hernández had 11 rebounds. Yamilé Rodríguez 14, Yuleska Ramírez 11 and Rocío Jiménez 10. The Colombian reinforcement, Narlyn Mosquera scored 6 points, but collaborated with 11 assists, seven more than full Calero.
Ireyon Keith scored 20 points for Calero and Angela Jiménz 17 and 11 rebounds.
The tournament is dedicated to the first lady of the Republic Raquel Arbaje de Abinader and the Don Máximo Bernal-Banreservas Cup is played there. The president of the Dominican Basketball Federation, Rafael Uribe, carried out the honor kick.
“There are still more adjustments to make,” Hernández said. “We have to improve in each game. We are the two-time champions and we are going for the third crown ”.
From the first quarter, the Lazareño team showed their potential, by winning it 21-13. From then on Calero had little or no opportunity. At the end of the first half the board marked 43-26.
The Lazareño leader, Ariel Portuondo was the first surprised with the result of the match. “I did not expect it like that”, although the tournament is just beginning. “The team is looking for an identity,” he said.
She stated that her approach is to work “on discipline and combativeness” of her players. Even with the result, he said that his team is not so deep “what happens is that we insist on what was designed,” said Portuondo.
Regarding his 11 assists, the center of the Lazareño team, Narlyn Mosquera, said that it is one of the skills he has. “It’s easy for me, because the easiest game is from post to post,” he said referring to Yamilé, his other center.
Los Mina triumphs
Ángela Asención and the reinforcement Adrianne Gobold led the victory of the Leñeras de Los Mina by scoring 21 and 16 points, respectively for the victory 68-67 (19-14 / 22-13 / 13-17 / 6-16 / 8-7 ). Regulation time ended equal to 60 points.
Los Mina dominated the first half openly, 41-37, but Águilas got into the rhythm until they forced regular time.
Naomi Cuevas and Elizabeth Soler added 11 and 10, respectively. Asención, Gobold and Cuevas each grabbed 10 rebounds for the Leñeras’ win, 68-67.
For the Eagles, Sugeiry Monsac 21 points and 17 rebounds, Jessica Fairweather, 19 and nine rebounds and Luz Maury Rodríguez nine.
Upcoming matches
For this Sunday, there will be three games. Mauricio Báez and Calero face at 12 noon and the Águilas de Guachupita against the Walls at 2:00 pm, both matches at Travieso Soto.
In Santiago they will play, the Olímpicas de La Vega, who visit the Hidalgas in Santiago at 12 noon.
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