Stephen ‘Merte’ Williams leads Belmopan Red Taigaz to stunning 102-95 win over league-leading Benny’s Belize Hurricanes in Belmopan

Published by BBNTEAM at May 13, 2023

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Posted: Saturday, May 13, 2023. 12:01 pm CST.

Photo Credit: Belmopan Red Taigaz

By Rubén Morales Iglesias: Having already qualified for the Belize Elite Basketball League playoffs, the Hurricanes let one past them on Friday night at the UB Gym in Belmopan and were punished by the Belmopan Red Taigaz 102-95.

The Red Taigaz now have a 5-8 record while the Hurricanes drop to 10-3 but still hold on to the number one seed. Both teams played with high intensity and energy, but Belmopan Red Taigaz had the edge in shooting accuracy and rebounding.

“This Friday we pay special tribute at half time to lifelong athlete and our team captain Stephen Williams Jr. , who will be hanging up the jersey at the end of this season,” said the Belmoapn Red Taigaz promoting the game as a special tribute to the veteran player.

Fittingly, Stephen ‘Merte’ Williams played a superb game as the star of his team. The MVP of the night, Williams scored a game-high 35 points boasting 11 three-pointers. He was supported by Brandon Flowers, who had a double-double with 20 points and 12 rebounds. Jeremiah Toney contributed 16 points, pulled six boards, and made nine assists.

The Hurricanes fought hard and were paced by Tyrie Orosco, who had 32 points and 13 rebounds. Kris Frazier, who also had a double-double, was good for 23 points and 16 rebounds. Glency Lopez scored 21 points, five rebounds, seven assists, and three steals. Kirk Smith Jr added 12 points and six rebounds.

The game was close throughout, but the Red Taigaz pulled away in the fourth quarter with their sharp shooting and solid defense.

In the other Friday game, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks stunned the Belize City Defenders 79-71 at the Belize City Civic Center on Friday night. At 7-5, the Sharks improved their bid for a playoff spot. The Defenders dropped to 7-6.

On Saturday, the Western Ballers (5-8) host the Griga Dream Ballers (8-5) at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio, and the Punta Gorda Panthers (1-12) play at home against the Orange Walk Running Rebels (8-4).

Catching up, the Tiger Sharks play their backmatch against the Belmopan Red Taigaz on Sunday, May 14 at 1:00 pm at the Angel Nunez Auditorium in San Pedro.

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