The Leones de Santo Domingo, with a rebound in the second half of the game, managed to be crowned for the second consecutive season in the National Basketball League.
For the second year in a row they do it with a coach who did not start in the position. This time the task fell to Julio Duquela, who replaced Ruddy MartÃnez, the 2021 champion instead of Amaury Durán.
A lot of character was shown by the red team that also had to overcome a 2-3 deficit when, after the visiting team was successful in the first four games, the San Francisco de MacorÃs Indians won at home in the fifth game. .
Incredibly, three of the four wins achieved by the Lions in the final were on the road. They were true “Warriors of the Road”.
Determinants were the actions of Juan Guerrero, acclaimed as the Most Valuable Player of the final for the second consecutive year, a true “Bear” under the boards, the most dominant player in local basketball today.
Jaison Valdez, happily recovered from surgery on both knees, was key with his drives, good defense and intensity.
After trailing for most of the series, Eddy Polanco broke through with important baskets in the deciding game.
Players like Manuel Fortuna, Leandro Cabrera, José Fortuna, New Williams, Kelechi Ajukwa also contributed to a greater or lesser extent.
But if we are looking for a player who makes a difference, we have to point to Eulis Báez. And his importance transcends his numbers (21 points, 12 rebounds in the final game).
It is the knowledge of the game, the calm on and off the court, the advice to teammates, the precise play at the right time.
At 40 years old with his experience, his quality, his ability, his training, it is a luxury to have him in the league.
Sometimes with his actions, he reminds the “Immense” Hugo Cabrera, another prodigious student of the game who always seemed to be able to do everything… And do it well.