Santiago’s basketball team falls to Arkansas University – Momento Deportivo RD

SANTIAGO.- Julian Lual made one of three free throws with 2.4 seconds left to play, giving the Arkansas State representative the advantage in a tight 87-86 victory against the Santiago Basketball Association team, in the first of a series of exchanges that will hold the ABASACA team with different universities.

Arkansas State came out dominant in the first quarter, limiting the offense from Santiago to only 12 points, dominating by seven points (19-12); the result of a remarkable defense at the level of the NCAA college basketball first division games.

Those from Santiago got more intense on offense, as did the visitors, who ended up dominating the second quarter 23-22 to lead the first 20 minutes of action, 42-34.

In the second half, the offense was more fluid for both teams. Those from Santiago fell again in the third quarter with a score of 28-26 and went to the last regulatory quarter with a double-digit disadvantage (70-60).

ABASACA reacted with a fast game, with penetrations and multiple shots from distance and the good reaction of Gustavo Rivas who scored 12 of his 14 points in the last quarter. The height superiority of the Arkansas State players was noticeable in rebounding and they dominated rebounding 47/35; including 18 offensive against 7 from the natives and his bench contributed 57 points against only 17 from the Santiago bench.

For Arkansas State the most outstanding, Markise Davis with a double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds, Malcolm Farrington 19 points, 5 rebounds and 7 assists and Julian Lual with 14 points and 4 rebounds.

For the Santiago team, Oliver García stood out with 24 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 steals; Bryan Méndez 14 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, Ángel Rivas contributed a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, Edwin Espinal 12 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and a steal.

ABASACA will have confrontations with the national team and with the University of Saint Johns as part of a series of commitments for the enjoyment of the fans and the strengthening of ties with international university entities.