MANAGUA (Nicaragua) – Real Estelí confirmed their favorite status in Basketball Champions League Americas Group A after blowing out Toros del Valle at home, 87-68, Thursday night at Polideportivo Alexis Argüello in Managua, Nicaragua.
Turning point
Toros started the game with back-to-back three-pointers, but Real Estelí responded with a 25-0 run to go up 29-9 at the end of the first quarter. The hosts maintained their supremacy the rest of the way, never allowing their lead to dip below double digits.
Player of the game
Puerto Rican point guard Jezreel De Jesús led their attack with 20 points, 5 rebounds and 4 assists for a game-high 23-efficiency rating.
Jared Ruiz added 18 points on 4 makes from downtown, Josmel Martínez had 17 and Mexican veteran Gabriel Girón poured on another 11. For Toros, Soren De Luque (12 rebounds) and Panamanian Josimar Ayarza contributed 15 points apiece. Puerto Rican Christian Pizarro had 9 points and 9 assists.
Stats don’t lie
Real Estelí’s defense held Toros to just 34 percent from the floor. The Nicaraguan squad dominated virtually every category but made the most damage on points off turnovers (20-13) and in transition (28-15). Estelí’s reserves also outscored Toros’ 33-15.
Bottom line
Real Estelí will rest on Friday before returning to the hardwood on Saturday to face Paisas. Meanwhile, Toros will try to recover and notch their first victory against the other Colombian team in the group.
FIBA