Brujos de Izalco beat Santa Tecla 80-75 at the Salvador Mariona Stadium, while Santa Ana triumphed on a visit to the Abel Mazariego Sports Center, where they beat Metapán 68-82 in a double day of activities of the 2024 Apertura Tournament Copa Tigo Sports de Major League Basketball.
The Tecleños surprised with a double from Fernando Fuentes just after 17 seconds of the first period, adding to that action the two points scored by Andravious Smith so that the visitors took control of the match and won the first set 13-17.
Despite the Tecla advantage of four points, the witch bar did not stop supporting its representatives, who in the second period could do little against the Santa Tecla offensive. The visitors dominated the quarter 24-19 and extended the lead on aggregate to 32-41.
Those from Izalco were nine points behind, but at halftime the coach, Anibal Méndez, changed his strategy and it was reflected on the court. Brujos took possession of the scoreboard and in the third period they won 26-17, equaling the overall score at 58-58.
The duel became even more exciting with the tie, but in the fourth period the difference was made by Brujos de Izalco with the fierce attack of Teodoro Romero, who contributed 10 points to finish 22-17, with which they won the match 80- 75.
The top scorers for Brujos de Izalco were Teodoro Romero with 24, Ángelo Ortega with 16 and Winston Andrews with 15 points; for Santa Tecla were Andravious Smith with 32, Luis Portal with 18 and Cristian Lora with 15 units.
Second victory for Santa Ana, now as a visitor
Santa Ana marked its second victory so far in the Apertura 2024 Copa Tigo Sports Tournament of the Major Basketball League (LMB) after beating the current tournament champion, Metapán, with a score of 68-82.
Joe Araujo was in charge of opening the scoring 20 seconds into the game with a double, but Santa Ana’s response was immediate and with 9:18 minutes left, Lee Vásquez responded with a triple. This is how both quintets went, challenging each other throughout the first period, but the caleros knew how to take advantage and finished ahead 25-20.
During the second period, the Santanecos were focused on achieving their goal and with the help of the American, Abdulajist Ajia, who contributed 11 points, Santa Ana won that quarter with 32 points, while Metapán scored 13, to place the aggregate 38- 52
Although the locals focused on attack, the Santanecos won the period again, this time by two points 17-19, widening the gap on the overall score 55-71.
During the final quarter, there was a slight reaction from Metapán, who was able to pocket the lead 13-11, but did not avoid falling at home 68-82.
Metapán’s top scorers were Yoel Cubillas with 25, Raúl Miranda with 10 and Leangelo Saravia with eight. For Santa Ana, Timothy Simons scored 25 points, Lee Vásquez scored 24 and Abdulbasit Ajia scored 22.
With these results, the LMB standings are led by San Salvador with 10 points, Salvadoreños follow with nine, Santa Ana and Metapán have eight points, Lobos, Brujos de Izalco, Cojute and Santa Tecla are with seven, Fantasmas de San Vicente and Santiagueño with five and four points respectively.
The duels for today are scheduled at 7:15 pm, Fantasmas de San Vicente against Lobos, on the Tacón Court; while Cojute receives San Salvador at the Cojutepeque Municipal Gymnasium.