Atléticos erase 20-point deficit, topple Gigantes

Criollos top Mets

By THE STAR STAFF

The Atléticos of San Germán stormed back from a 20-point deficit in the third quarter and went on to defeat the Gigantes of Carolina-Canóvanas 93-89 in a Superior National Basketball league game at Carlos Miguel Mangual Coliseum in Canóvanas on Wednesday night.

The Gigantes saw their advantage evaporate late in the third period due in large part to the elevated play of San Germán’s bench, which scored 43 points in the game -- more than enough to offset a 39-point performance by Carolina’s Tremont Waters.

The Atléticos used an 11-0 run in the final minutes to put the game away. With the score at 80-76 in favor of the home team, Montrezl Harrell ignited the San Germán run with two consecutive dunks that tied the game. On its next possession, a three-pointer by Devon Daniels put the Atléticos ahead 83-80.

Harrell struck again with a basket in the paint, while Jorge Matos capped the run with a layup, making it 87-80 with 2:35 remaining.

Harrell led the Atléticos with 25 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Marlon Hargis with 14 points. Daniels and Christian Pizarro contributed 12 points each.

Jaylen Nowell added 19 points for the Gigantes, and Scottie James scored 14.

At the Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas, meanwhile, the host Criollos defeated the Mets of Guaynabo, 104-89.

Trailing 48-42 at the half, the Criollos made adjustments in the third quarter, turning things around with contributions from the bench and solid team execution.

Caguas extended its lead in the second half with some timely long-range shooting from Louis King combined with Jeff Early Jr.’s production in the paint.

Early Jr. led the Criollos with 21 points, while King contributed 18 points and Travis Trice dished out 11 assists. Alexander Kappos grabbed 12 rebounds for Caguas, followed by Moses Brown with 11.

Brandon Knight and Ysmael Romero each scored 21 points, and Torrey Craig added 17 for Guaynabo.