Indios even BSN B Conference finals at a game apiece

By The Star Staff

The Indios (Indians) of Mayagüez defeated the Leones (Lions) of Ponce 85-78 on Monday night in Game 2 of the National Superior Basketball League (BSN) B Conference finals at Juan “Pachín” Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce, tying the best-of-seven series.

Import center Sam Waardenburg led all scorers with 23 points for Mayagüez, which avenged a loss at home in the series opener.

The score was tied at 21-21 some 10 minutes into the game and remained close until an 8-0 run capped by Georgie Pacheco’s deep 3 turned the tide in favor of the Indios, 36-32, with 3:40 left in the second quarter.

Mayagüez led 46-42 at halftime.

Josué Erazo’s two free throws gave the visitors a 12-point lead, 66-54, with 1:15 left in the third quarter, which closed with the Indios ahead, 66-57.

In the final period, Ponce staged a vigorous comeback and led 74-71 on a drive by Jezreel de Jesús with 5:43 left. However, Nick Perkins’ jumper ended another 8-0 run for the Indios, who led 79-74 with 2:57 left.

Waardenburg was supported on offense by Erazo with 16 points, Pacheco and George Hamilton with 15 each, and Perkins with 11 points and nine rebounds. Hamilton also had 10 assists.

For Ponce, de Jesús and Maurice Kemp each scored 19 points, Matt Mooney had 12, and Chris Negrón 10. Kemp added 17 rebounds.

The third game of the series will take place today (8 p.m.) at Germán Wilkins Vélez Ramírez Sports and Recreation Center in Mayagüez.