The Inclusive Sports City (CDI) hosted the first game of the two semifinal playoff series of the Under 21 League where Brujos de Izalco beat Itexsal 72-56 and Cougars beat Arcense 97-92 in overtime.
The Izalqueños brought their magic to the CDI court and tried to impose their game in the first period, but the Salesians responded very well to the rival’s attack. In the end, the Westerners took the first quarter by one point (18-17).
The excitement continued in the second period, as the level of both squads remained very even, proof of this was that the partial score was once again defined by one point difference, this time in favor of the Salesians (17-18) to leave the overall 35-35.
The third quarter was marked by the good performance of Brujos thanks to the effectiveness of Josué Urquilla and Alfonso Tobar, who were protagonists on the floor so that the Westerners took the lead 25-10 and took advantage on the scoreboard 60-45.
Despite the 15-point advantage, Itexsal came out with the intention of closing the gap in the last period. However, the point production of both teams was low and finally Brujos pocketed the fourth by 12-11 and sealed their first victory in the best-of-three series with a final score of 72-56.
Extra time was defined
Vibrant from start to finish was the duel offered by Cougars and Arcense. The pumas took a 1-0 lead in the semifinal series of the Under 21 League after beating the Ciudad Arce team 97-92 in overtime after finishing 90-90 in regulation time.
Both teams showed good level from the first period, in which the Cougars led 20-12. In the second period neither squad wanted to give in, so they ended up tied 18-18, for an overall 38-30 in favor of the Cougars.
The actions continued to be very close for the third period, as they tied the score at 22-22 and leaving the overall score at 60-52; while in the fourth period, the pumas let their guard down and lost 21-29, with a general score of 81-81.
That tie forced them to decide in extra time, but the game was so even that in the first over time they also ended up tied 90-90.
The Cougars showed their strength in the second overtime, scoring seven points against Arcense’s response of 2, so the Cougars took the victory 97-92.
The second game of the playoff series is scheduled for Tuesday, February 20, starting at 7:00 pm at the CDI.
Results of the quarterfinals of the U21 Cup Tournament
Nejapa 77-64 Holy Key Jr.
Pivot BKB Academy 74-60 CD Platense
Santa Tecla Elite 91-38 Santa Tecla Municipal
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