BARRANQUILLA (Colombia) - Real Esteli improved to 2-1 in Group A of the BCLAmericas after topping Caballos de Cocle 74-72, thanks to superb defense down the stretch and a key 50/50 ball that went in favor of Javier Mojica.

The Nicaraguan basketball club locked down defensively on Caballos’ best player, Ernesto Oglivie, as the big man failed to score in the final three minutes. Then with eight seconds left and Real Esteli up two, Alexander Franklin missed the second of two free throws, leaving it up to Mojica to battle for a loose ball before creating another two points to ice the win.

Beyond the defense and Mojica’s late play, Real Esteli was led by Jezreel De Jesus (18 points), Alexander Franklin (17 points) and Jeleel Akindele (12 points). Former NBA player Renaldo Balkman only scored four points and Real Esteli still squeaked out a much-needed victory.

Despite turning the ball over 19 times and only hitting five 3’s, Real Esteli showed off quality toughness and defensive energy that turned out to be the difference in the game.

They couldn't stop Oglivie (21 points on 10-of-15 shooting) until something clicked when it mattered the most. They double teamed Caballos' top scorer and forced the ball out of his hands. Even when he made quick decisions to pass to the outside, the club was there to contest 3's. They were so aggressive and energized down the stretch that they even fouled a 3-point shooter, nearly giving Caballos a chance to steal the win.

Even in defeat, Caballos has to be proud of how their team competed. Oglivie is clearly a star and their defense was solid in its own right at times. They'll definitely need more from Tjader Javier Fernandez Garcia, who hit the buzzer beater to lift Caballos in their first game of the second window, though. He only scored two points in this outing and didn’t make a single field goal from the guard position.

Caballos de Cocle (2-2) finishes this window with a 1-1 record and will be back in action on Saturday, March 27 when they duel Real Esteli again. Real Esteli still has one game remaining in this window of group play as they will face Titanes on Saturday.

FIBA