Gigantes beat Piratas in BSN.

Hunter Tyson (5), a second-round pick by Oklahoma City out of Clemson in the 2023 NBA Draft, finished with 26 points and nine rebounds in Carolina’s win.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Gigantes of Carolina defeated the Piratas of Quebradillas 104-99 in a Superior National Basketball (BSN by its initials in Spanish) league game at Carlos Miguel Mangual Coliseum in Canóvanas on Tuesday night.

The Gigantes (3-3), who dominated from the opening tip-off, put together a 10-2 run in the final minutes of the first quarter and never looked back.

With the scoreboard reading 15-10 in favor of the home team, American (Monroe, N.C.) import Hunter Tyson sparked the run with a jump shot, followed by a three-pointer from Jaylen Nowell that extended the Carolina lead to 20-10.

Quebradillas (0-9) countered with a basket by José Román, but a layup by Evander Ortiz and a three-pointer by Jesús Cruz capped the quarter at 25-12 in favor of the home team.

The visitors, who put together a 35-26 fourth quarter, had an opportunity to tie the game at 102; however, on their final possession -- with less than three seconds remaining -- Zhaire Smith committed a turnover, allowing the Gigantes to come away with the victory.

Tyson led Carolina with 26 points and nine rebounds, while Nowell added 21 points and Kristian Doolittle contributed 16 points and eight rebounds.

Emmanuel Mudiay led Quebradillas with 18 points, six rebounds and five assists.