Arecibo remains solid in the first position
2010-05-03 01:11:01 AST/Puerto Rico
by Capitanes de Arecibo

Larry Ayuso scored eight consecutive points in the final minutes of the game, accompanied by four free throws by Andres Rodriguez, to lead the Arecibo Capitanes to a victory over the Indios of Mayagüez 85 - 78. The game was held at the Coliseo Manuel "Petaca" Iguina of Arecibo, on the night of Sunday, May 2, 2010. The victory, keeps Arecibo with the best record in the National Superior Basketball League with 16-4 and managed to stay in the top league.


The Capitanes wasted no time and immediately set their game system, achieving an early lead on the scoreboard. At that time, Bimbo Carmona tied the score at eight points and that gave way to Arecibo started a rally from 8-0. Immediately, Mayagüez responded with a nine-point push that brought the game to 17 by 16, still Arecibo ahead . Just before the end of the first half, the Indios were able to go up front by one point, but the Capitanes managed to finish strong and David Cortés scored a basket, along with a free throw of Danny Santiago, when time had expired and the Capitanes finished the quarter with an advantage of 22 - 20.


In the second qaurter, Arecibo managed to go up front 31 - 24, thanks to two free throws by Danny Santiago and a triple that hit Puruco Latimer. After that, the Indios tried to make their advance, but Andrés Rodríguez reached a three-point basket and Tim Pickett added a free throw to follow the lead of the encounter 39 - 31. Mayagüez was able to regroup and made their breakthrough, but still maintained its intensity and Arecibo did win the first half 43 - 38. During the first half, Arecibo dominated the points in the paint 22 to 10.


Right at the start of the second half, James Maye, opened the scoring with a triple but, Jeff Aubry answered with a spectacular dunk. Mayagüez went on the scoreboard and the coach of Arecibo, David Rosario requested time out. After the timeout, David Cortés responds with a triple and Arecibo stays ahead of the game 48 - 42. The Indios were not far behind and Kennan  Jourdon and Bimbo Carmona achieve baskets, to stay in the battle. Subtracting 4:01 of the third quarter, Tim Pickett goes to the free throw line and scored two shots that lead Arecibo to the front 56 - 51. After this action, the Capitanes came to be with advantage of 64 - 54 but Mayagüez answered with four points. At the end of the third quarter, Arecibo maintained its advantage in the game 64 - 58.


In the fourth and final quarter, the Capitanes were continued its pattern of aggressive play. David Cortés managed a triple and Tim Pickett scored three consecutive points to push the Capitanes on the scoreboard 71 - 61, when subtracted 4:45 on the board. This led the Indios to a strong offensive push on the board and came close 71 - 68. At that moment, Larry Ayuso began hes show and scored 8 consecutive points, including two triples, to lead the Capitanes to 79 - 71 lead. Immediately, Mayagüez responded with 4 points on the board again, but Andrés Rodríguez and Larry Ayuso score to seal the victory for the Capitanes. The final score of the game was 85 - 78.


The best scorers for Mayagüez were: Alex Galindo who had 23 points and James Maye with 21. While on the Capitanes, they best scorers were: Larry Ayuso with 24 points and Tim Pickett with 14 points and 10 rebounds. In addition, Andrés Rodríguez scored 11 points and made 5 assists. Also, Daniel Santiago had 11 points. Arecibo returns to court next Wednesday, May 5, 2010, when they receive a visit from the Gallitos of Isabela in the Arecibo Coliseum at 8:00 PM