Real Esteli win high scoring overtime thriller as curtain closes on Group Phase 1

MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – In the last game of Group Phase 1 in the Basketball Champions League Americas, Real Esteli outlasted Gladiadores de Anzoategui 97-92 in overtime behind Ismael Romero’s big double-double.

Gladiadores had an 86-81 lead with just over a minute to go in the final quarter, before Jared Ruiz cut the deficit to 86-83 and then Terrell Holloway knocked down a clutch three-pointer to force overtime.

Real Esteli then edged out Gladiadores 11-6 in the extra five minutes to capture the five-point win.

Romero posted a strong stat line with a 29-point, 10-rebound double-double along with 3 steals. His 29 points are the most by a player in the BCLA so far this season. His teammate Holloway also recorded big numbers, finishing with 22 points, 6 rebounds and 3 assists.

Real Esteli had a 22-to-11 assist to turnover ratio while Gladiadores had more turnovers than assists (19-18). Real Esteli also had success crashing the offensive glass which led to 23 second chance points.

Gladiadores, meanwhile, also had a pair of 20-point scorers in defeat with Charles Garcia (team-high 22 points, 10 rebounds) and Anthony Perez (20 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals).

Real Esteli are in first place in Group A with a record of 2-0, while Gladiadores drop to 1-1 in second place in the group. These two teams will play each other next on January 20.

FIBA