Manatí defeats Santurce in BSNF semifinals opener

Kaela Hilaire had 21 points and 12 assists to lead the Atenienses of Manatí over the Cangrejeras of Santurce in the BSNF semifinals A series opener.

By THE STAR STAFF

The Atenienses of Manatí defeated the Cangrejeras of Santurce 92-84 on Saturday night at Roberto Clemente Coliseum in Hato Rey in the opening game of the Women’s National Superior Basketball (BSNF by its initials in Spanish) Championship semifinal A series.

Point guard Kaela Hilaire led the way for Manatí with 21 points and 12 assists, followed by Chelsea Mitchell with 20 points, Pamela Rosado with 19 points and 10 assists, Kiki Jefferson with 14 points, and India Pagán with 12.

Shae Kelley led Santurce with 22 points and 14 rebounds, while Dayshalee Salamán contributed 15 points and 12 assists. In addition, Nairimar Vargas scored 12 points, Kamaria McDaniel and Becca Tobin added 11 points each, and Brianna Jones chipped in with 10 points.

Hilaire capped an 8-0 run as the Atenienses took the lead 62-59 with 3:06 left in the third quarter. Manatí extended the advantage to 72-64 after three periods.

Although Santurce closed to within a point, 72-71, on a basket by Kelley in the final quarter, Mitchell responded with seven-straight points as the Atenienses rebuilt the lead to 79-71 with 5:32 left.

The Cangrejeras had closed the first half ahead, 53-47, but were unable to contain the visitors’ push in the second half.

The second game of the best-of-5 series will take place tonight at Juan A. Cruz Abreu Coliseum in Manatí.

In the B semifinal series, the Explosivas of Moca were looking to take a 2-0 lead against the host Pollitas of Isabela on Sunday night after a decisive 89-61 victory in the opener at home on Friday.