Juana Díaz wins 3rd straight, Ponce prevails in OT

Imani McGee recorded a double-double -- 13 points and 22 rebounds -- and added four assists and six blocks as the Monarcas of Juana Díaz won their third straight after dropping their first five games of the season.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Monarcas of Juana Díaz won their third straight game and the Leonas of Ponce earned an overtime victory on Saturday night in the Women’s Superior National Basketball (BSNF by its initials in Spanish) league.

The Monarcas defeated the Ganaderas of Hatillo, 66-54, at Francisco Deida Coliseum in Hatillo. Juana Díaz set the pace throughout all four quarters; although Hatillo had moments where they threatened to narrow the gap, the Monarcas always had an answer.

Balanced scoring was key to the victory, with five Monarcas players reaching double-digits, demonstrating an offense far less reliant on a single star player.

Import Imani McGee once again stood out within that collective effort, delivering a dominant performance on both ends of the court and recording another double-double. The national team and former WNBA player finished with 13 points and 22 rebounds -- adding four assists and six blocks -- proving to be a decisive presence for the Monarcas near the basket.

Juana Díaz’s run also coincides with the addition of Colombian national team point guard Manuela Ríos.

Meanwhile, Hatillo kept fighting and attempted to turn the tide during the fourth quarter. A basket by Sofía Roma late in the final frame cut the deficit to nine points (61-52). Seconds later, Ríos sank a pair of free throws to pull Juana Díaz away again at 63-52.

Less than a minute later, Ganaderas point guard Naomi Hernández cut the deficit back to nine (63-54) with a driving layup. But Nayeli Dowding put the game out of reach with a three-pointer for what would be the final score.

Ríos also had 13 points for seventh-place Juana Díaz (3-5), while Dowding and Lesiriam Pagán each scored 11.

Dontavia Waggoner again led the Ganaderas (1-8) with 22 points and 13 rebounds, while Roma also recorded a double-double with 12 points and 13 rebounds.

At Juan Pachín Vicens Auditorium in Ponce, meanwhile, the Leonas defeated the Cariduras of Fajardo, 87-79 in overtime.

Ponce’s perfection at the free-throw line proved to be a decisive factor in a game that was tied at 72 points at the end of regulation. The Leonas converted all 26 of their opportunities from the charity stripe -- no small achievement in the sport at any level.

The conclusion of the fourth quarter foreshadowed the drama to come. Ponce’s Gabriela Gregory attacked the basket, scoring  a field goal while drawing a personal foul. The import player from Tulsa, Oklahoma completed the three-point play at the free-throw line, putting the Leonas ahead 72-70. Fajardo, however, answered through Talia Von Oelhoffen, who drove down the right side and finished with a reverse layup that tied the game with 12.2 seconds remaining.

The Leonas had a chance for the game-winner, but turned the ball over on an offensive foul. Time expired before Fajardo could get a shot off.

In overtime, Ponce simply played better, outscoring the Cariduras 15-7 for an 87-79 victory.

Gregory led the Leonas with 21 points, seven rebounds and six assists. Fajardo’s Piath Gabriel led all scorers, recording a double-double with 23 points and 12 rebounds.