Benny’s Belize Hurricanes ‘mash up’ San Pedro Tiger Sharks 105-68; Kirk Smith Jr not allowed to play

Published by BBNTEAM at February 4, 2023

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Posted: Saturday, February 4, 2023. 11:56 am CST.

Photo Credit: Belize Hurricanes

By Rubén Morales Iglesias:

After a very competitive first quarter, the Benny’s Belize Hurricanes walked over the San Pedro Tiger Sharks 105-68 at the Belize City Civic Center on Friday night, and that’s without Kirk Smith Jr who wasn’t allowed to play despite a decision by the Belize Elite Basketball League’s Appeals Committee that had ruled that Smith was eligible to play for the Hurricanes.

Smith had reportedly signed for both the Belize City Defenders and the Hurricanes, but the BEBL Appeals Committee ruled that only the Hurricanes’ contract was valid. Not satisfied with the ruling, the Defenders called an emergency BEBL virtual meeting on Friday morning. The owners reportedly overruled the Appeals Committee’s decision by a 5-3 vote and threatened to not pull their teams from the recently started competition if Smith suited up for the Hurricanes. Only the Punta Gorda Panthers and the Tiger Sharks supported the Hurricanes though San Pedro preferred the match to be delayed. In the end, the ‘Canes were forced to play without Smith but will seek the guidance of the Appeals Committee which is the last recourse within the BEBL.

The Tiger Sharks put up a fight during the 1^st quarter which finished 18-15 but crumbled after that falling by 37 points.

Kris Frazier led the Hurricanes with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and a block. Akeem Watters added 16 with 10 boards, and 3 steals. Victor Evans contributed 14 points, 12 rebounds, and two steals. Eyan Rene was good for 13, Raheen Thurton for 12, and Glency Lopez sunk in 10.

The Tiger Sharks were led by Francis Arana who totaled a game-high 22 points along with 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Jamaal Clifton added 13 points coupled with 10 boards and 2 steals. Jamal Kelly scored 10 points and pulled 8 rebounds.

The Hurricanes now lead the BEBL with two consecutive wins while the Tiger Sharks are at 0-1.

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