Manatí moves closer to a BSNF finals berth

Kaela Hilaire scored 10 points for Manatí, including a reverse layup that gave the Atenienses the lead for good in the game’s closing moments.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Atenienses of Manatí held off the Cangrejeras of Santurce 78-76 in the Women’s National Superior Basketball (BSNF by its initials in Spanish) Championship A semifinals on Monday night to take a 2-0 lead in the best-of-5 series and move a win away from a berth in the finals.

Manatí, which won the series opener on Saturday night in San Juan, made the most of home court advantage at Juan A. Cruz Abreu Coliseum in Game 2.

Victory did not come easy.

The Atenienses maintained a 12-point halftime advantage through three quarters, entering the final frame leading 62-50. But Santurce made its move in the final minutes of the period, and back-to-back three-pointers by Brianna Jones tied the score at 74 with just 36 seconds left in the game.

On Manatí’s next possession, the Cangrejeras left the baseline open and Kaela Hilaire took advantage with a spectacular reverse layup to give the Atenienses back the lead, 76-74, with 16 seconds remaining. Chelsea Mitchell then sealed the win from the free throw line.

Mitchell led a balanced Manatí offense with 16 points, followed by Kiki Jefferson with 14 points, Pamela Rosado and India Pagán with 13 each, Jessica Jackson with 12, and Hilaire with 10.

Jones finished with 26 points for Santurce, Shae Kelley contributed 16 points and 19 rebounds, and Kamaria McDaniel added 11 points.

The Atenienses will look to end the series today when they return to Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey for Game 3, starting at 8 p.m.