Leones, Vaqueros earn wins in BSN.

Jalen Crutcher led the way for Ponce with 26 points and 10 assists.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Leones of Ponce used a fourth-quarter surge to defeat the Cangrejeros of Santurce 103-92 in a Superior National Basketball (BSN by its initials in Spanish) game Saturday night at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey.

Elsewhere, the Vaqueros of Bayamón defeated the visiting Osos de Manatí 95-70 at Rubén Rodríguez Arena.

The Leones’ offense was led by Jalen Crutcher, who shined with 26 points and 10 assists. Brady Manek also delivered a standout performance with 22 points and 11 rebounds, while Darius Bazley contributed a double-double of 12 points and 12 boards. Jordan Murphy added 12 points.

For the Cangrejeros, Jordan Howard spearheaded the offense with 19 points, followed by Isaiah Piñeiro and Davon Jefferson with 14 points each. Malik Beasley, Corey McKeithan and Emmanuel Maldonado each added 11 points.

The Leones took the lead with a three-pointer by Crutcher, putting the score at 21-18 with 3:02 remaining in the first quarter. The first period concluded with the visitors holding a 29-26 advantage.

Ponce led by three points at the end of the opening period, but Santurce gained a 45-44 advantage following a tip-in by Emmanuel Maldonado with 3:48 left on the clock and headed into halftime holding a slim 52-51 lead.

A three-pointer by Manek put the Leones back in front, 75-74, with 55 seconds remaining in the third quarter, and Ponce led 78-74 going into the final frame.

Ponce took over in the fourth quarter. A free throw by Bazley extended their lead to 93-80 with 5:08 remaining -- the largest margin of the contest -- effectively sealing the victory.