PANAMA (Panama) - In a back-and-forth affair that featured 13 lead changes, Real Esteli topped Caballos de Cocle, 78-72, for the third time in BCL Americas group play.

The Nicaraguan basketball club has Jezreel De Jesus and Javier Mojica to thank for this victory, as the two combined for 48 points, 13 rebounds and five assists. Using their efficiency and ability to get to the free throw line with ease, the duo carved up a Caballos defense that was able to force 15 turnovers and hold one of Real Esteli's top scorers and ex-NBA talent Renaldo Balkman to just nine points on 3-of-12 shooting.

Real Esteli actually trailed by one with 4:05 remaining, but their clutch playmaking down the stretch was critical. Mojica made two massive jump shots and Bartel Lopez swatted a key shot in the final minutes, giving their squad a win that looked similar to the other two games they were able to defeat Caballos in.

While performances from De Jesus and Mojica were promising in their own right, they need to get their 'Big Three' – which includes Balkman – all playing well at the same time to reach their true potential. This was especially evident in their two losses to Titanes, as Mojica didn't play in the first matchup and they were blown out in the second matchup with everyone struggling other than Balkman.

The upside is high for Real Esteli if they can find that true team chemistry.

Meanwhile, Caballos can come out of this game disappointed, but they did prove themselves worthy. Their game plan of shutting down Balkman was successful and they dominated the painted area. Even though they were out-rebounded, Caballos scored 38 points in the paint and gave Real Esteli limited easy buckets around the rim.

Caballos' balanced scoring and limited turnovers (10) were also promising, but their inexperience in clutch situations continues to haunt them in the BCL Americas.

Real Esteli (3-2) will wrap up group play with a battle vs. Titanes on Sunday, while Caballos (2-3) will face Titanes themselves on Monday.

FIBA