Real Estelí Dominates Toros del Valle in Basketball Champions League americas Opener
The Alexis Argüello Sports Center in Managua witnessed a dominant performance by the Nicaraguan champions,Real Estelí,as they defeated the Colombian team Toros del Valle 87-68 in the opening game of the Basketball Champions League Americas 2024-25 season. Over 5,100 fans watched as Real Estelí showcased thier strength and tactical prowess, leaving Toros struggling to keep up.
Real Estelí’s victory was fueled by a blistering start. After Toros opened the game with back-to-back three-pointers, Real Estelí responded with an impressive 25-0 run, ending the first quarter with a commanding 29-9 lead. This early dominance set the tone for the rest of the game, with Real Estelí maintaining a double-digit lead throughout.
Puerto Rican coach David Rosario masterfully guided his team, utilizing the experience of point guard Jezreel De Jesús. De Jesús, a familiar face to the Estelí faithful, orchestrated the offense with precision, contributing 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists, earning him a game-high rating of 23 alongside Toros’ Soren De Luque.
Ared Ruiz provided crucial support for Real Estelí, adding 18 points, including four three-pointers. Josmel Martínez chipped in with 17 points, while Mexican Gabriel Girón added 11. For Toros del Valle, soren De Luque led the scoring with 15 points and 12 rebounds, while Panamanian Josimar Ayarza also scored 15 points. Christian Pizarro contributed 9 points and 9 assists for Toros.
Real Estelí’s stifling defense proved to be a key factor in their victory, limiting Toros to a mere 34% shooting from the field. The Nicaraguan team excelled in transition, outscoring Toros 28-15 in fast break points, and dominated the points off turnovers category 20-13. Real Estelí’s bench also outperformed their counterparts, contributing 33 points compared to Toros’ 15.
Looking ahead, Real Estelí will have a day of rest before facing Paisas on saturday, aiming to secure another home victory. Toros del Valle, on the other hand, will seek redemption on Friday against the other Colombian team in Group A, hoping to even their record.
Dominant Start for Estelí: A Conversation with Coach Rosario
After Real Estelí’s stunning 87-68 win against Toros del Valle, we sat down with the mastermind behind the victory, Puerto Rican coach David Rosario, to dissect the game and look ahead to the challenges that lie ahead.
Moderator: Coach Rosario, congratulations on a fantastic start to the Basketball Champions League Americas campaign! That 25-0 run in the first quarter was absolutely breathtaking. What was the key to that explosive opening burst?
David Rosario: Thank you. It was a team effort, for sure. We knew Toros would come out firing, and we anticipated their early three-pointers. The boys responded with great composure and executed our game plan perfectly. We wanted to push the tempo, force turnovers, and capitalize on fast breaks, and luckily, everything clicked in those first few minutes.
Moderator: jezreel De Jesús was absolutely everywhere on the court, orchestrating the offence with precision. Can you talk about his performance and his leadership on the team?
David Rosario: Jezreel is a true floor general. HeS been a cornerstone for us for years, and his experience and basketball IQ are invaluable. He dictated the pace, got teammates involved, and hit crucial shots when needed. it’s no coincidence that he had a game-high rating.
Moderator: Real Estelí dominated in transition and turnovers.Was this a deliberate strategic choice, or did it stem from the flow of the game?
David Rosario: It was definitely a tactical focus going into the game. We wanted to create chaos defensively and disrupt Toros’ rhythm. We knew their strengths, and our aggressive defense put them on their back foot. The ability to convert those turnovers into fast-break points was a critical factor in the win.
Moderator: Looking ahead, you face a tough test against Paisas on Saturday. What are yoru expectations for that matchup?
David Rosario: we respect Paisas, thay’re a talented team. Every game in this league is a battle. We’ll need to bring the same intensity and focus we displayed against Toros to be accomplished. We’ll study their game film, adjust our strategies, and be ready to compete.
Moderator: Well said, Coach. Thank you for your time and insightful analysis.
now, Readers, we want to hear from you! What impressed you most about Real Estelí’s performance? Do you think they can maintain this level of play throughout the tournament? Share your thoughts in the comment section below!
