In the U21 division, Hode’s Rookies and Belize Bank Bombers squared off on Saturday night, knowing that the winner of this game will hold a 3-way tie for the #1 seed in the this division, while the loser will fall to the #4 seed.  Hode’s Rookies opened the game with a bang, jumping to a 13 – 6 lead at the end of the first quarter, with Akeem Watters of Hode’s Rookies hitting for 6 of his team’s points. The second quarter was huge for Belize Bank Bombers, as they outscored Hode’s Rookies 18 -6.  Jarrel “Bird” Velazquez scored 9 points in the quarter, while Dijon “D-Mac” scored all 6 points for his team.  At the end of the first half, Belize Bank Bombers had a 24 – 19 lead.  At the end of the third quarter, the lead was cut to 2 points, as Belize Bank narrowly maintained the lead, 33 – 31.  With 3 minutes remaining in the game, Hode’s Rookies gained back control of the game, taking a 3 point lead.  Winning by 1, Hode’s Rookies was unable to seal the deal, as they missed 2 free throws with 30 seconds remaining, after which they missed 2 more free throws with 5 seconds remaining.  Down by 1, Belize Bank Bombers ran a back screen for Jarrel “Bird”  Velazquez, who got free under the rim for an easy lay-up, plus the foul, with 3 seconds remaining.  Up by 1, “Bird” intentionally missed the free throw, and Hode’s Rookies was unable to get off a final shot, giving Belize Bank Bombers the big W, placing them in a 3 way tie for first place with Hydro and Flames, as all three teams boast a 3 – 1 record, while Hode’s Rookies fall to 2 – 2.

Jarrel “Bird” Velasquez was the top scorer for Belize Bank Bombers, as he sank 17 points and grabbed 8 boards, Kyle Pascasio helped out with 10 points and 14 rebounds, while Shimeon Simpson tallied 10 point and 5 steals.  In a losing effort, Dijon “D-Mac” McNabb scored 15 points while grabbing 19 rebounds, while Akeem Watters netted  12 points with 6 boards and 4 assists for Hode’s Rookies.