PUR - Teams advance to BSN league's second stage

GUAYAMA (BSN) - Brujos, Cariduros, Cangrejeros, Capitanes and Leones have all made it into the Second Stage of the Puerto Rican BSN league.

But it was a week of upheaval as two coaches moved on.

On Sunday, one day before Leones clinched qualification to the Second Stage thanks to their victory over leaders Brujos, the Board surprisingly sacked coach Edmundo Baez and appointed Allans Colon.

Vaqueros have also changed their coach as Carlos Mario Rivera replaced Ray Amalbert, who decided to leave.

Brujos are leading the Juan Vicens Division with an 18-9 campaign, which also puts them on top of the overall standings.

Leones defeated them 88-86 at home, led by Jeff Aubry who netted 22 points and grabbed 16 rebounds, while Gabriel Colon contributed 12 and 15, respectively.

Rivera's Brujos had already qualified for the next round despite the defeat, as on Sunday they saw off Grises 101-86. Alejandro Carmona top-scored with 27 points for his team's 18th win.

Cariduros are on top in the Federico Lopez Division with a 17-10 record, which also puts them second in the overall standings.

On Sunday, Kevin Hamilton`s 18 points helped Carlos Calcano's side beat Leones 78-74.

Hamilton also led his team to two more victories during last week, as he scored 23 points to beat Gigantes 90-85 on Thursday and 22 in a 91-68 win over Vaqueros on Wednesday.

Cangrejeros record is now 15 wins and 12 defeats in the regular season, one more victory than Capitanes and Leones, who are also through.

On Monday night, Santurce-based Cangrejeros hammered Brujos 112-89 thanks to a 25-point contribution by Larry Ayuso.

It was their fourth win in a row and followed their 92-85 victory over Maratonistas on Friday.

Capitanes, meanwhile, clinched qualification by defeating Conquistadores 94-80, as Angel Figueroa poured in 23 points, but then lost 104-84 at Indios.

The First Stage of the regular season finishes on Sunday.

Matias Greco
FIBA