Titanes' win leaves Group A in a triple tie

MANAGUA (Nicaragua) - You could not ask more any more parity in Group A play.

Titanes de Barranquilla defeated Real Estelí 88-79 on Friday to establish a triple tie in this first phase of the second edition of BCL Americas. The Nicaraguans had defeated Caballos de Coclé, and the Panamanians beat Titanes on Thursday.

Titanes were able to quickly turn the page after their first setback in the tournament, and they managed to do it thanks to key contributions across their roster – particularly from their perimeter shooters.

Puerto Rican Jonathan Rodríguez led the way with 19 points on 3/6 from downtown, while Argentinean Selem Safar chipped in 17 – providing 5 bombs of his own.

 

The Colombians employed a 10-0 in the first quarter to take the lead and were in front for most of the game until El Tren del Norte roared back late in the third.

Renaldo Balkman was magnificent once again, dominating inside and out.

The former NBA player finished with 19 points and 11 rebounds.

 

Jezreel De Jesús added 20 points and 3 assists for the Nicaraguans, who just couldn't match Titanes' firepower down the stretch despite winning the rebounding battle, 40-31.

Real Estelí's downfall were their turnovers, with Titanes turned their 18 miscues into 28 points. And in a game where both teams' shooting numbers were about even, that ended up being the difference.

All 3 teams in Group A currently have 1-1 records and they're all scheduled to play each other again in early March.

 

FIBA