Gigantes open with a win in BSNF quarterfinals
By THE STAR STAFF
The Gigantes of Carolina defeated the Cangrejeras of Santurce 77-65 on Saturday in the first game of the 2026 Women’s Superior National Basketball (BSNF by its initials in Spanish) postseason, held at Guillermo Angulo Coliseum in Carolina.
The Gigantes established control from the opening quarter and maintained it for virtually the entire contest. Santurce, which was without import players Shae Kelley and Teana Muldrow heading into the series, had new international addition Leah Scott in the lineup, but could not find an answer to the hosts’ offensive attack.
Santurce’s most significant push came during the final four minutes of the game, but the visitors could not draw closer than double digits. With 3:43 remaining, Leah Scott sank two free throws to make the score 69-55, while a three-pointer from Brianna Jones with 2:44 left narrowed the gap to 69-58. Carolina responded with a drive to the basket by Charity Harris, extending the lead to 71-58, but Gaby Zapata kept the Cangrejeras’ hopes alive by hitting two free throws with 1:58 on the clock, making it 71-60.
Claire Bady scored back-to-back baskets in close for the Gigantes, pushing the lead to what would prove an insurmountable 75-60 with 49 seconds left on the clock.
Carolina was once again led by the stellar duo of Joyner Holmes and Grace Berger, who spearheaded a strong collective effort as the Gigantes dictated the pace of play on both ends of the court. Berger was particularly dominant, recording a double-double with 20 points and 10 rebounds, along with eight assists and four steals -- a performance that earned her player of the game honors.
Jones was the standout performer for the Cangrejeras, recording another double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.
