What happened?
Capitanes de Arecibo secured a 101-98 win over Santeros de Aguada on July 13, 2026, breaking a 98‑98 tie with a Derrick Walton bucket at 28 seconds left and taking a 1‑0 lead in the BSN semifinal series. Alfonso Plummer scored 24 points and Timoty Soares posted a double‑double with 20 points and 11 rebounds, while visitors Iván Gandía and Rigoberto Mendoza added 21 and 20 points respectively.
How did the game unfold?
Santeros controlled the first half, heading into the break up 49‑44. In the third quarter, Capitanes tightened defense and began closing the gap. A back‑and‑forth of leads defined the fourth quarter; Arecibo’s offense sparked with mid‑range shots and pick‑and‑roll actions. When the score tied at 98‑98, Walton broke the deadlock and Justin Reyes sealed the win with a free throw after Aguada missed a pass out of bounds.
What does this mean for the series?
With this victory, Capitanes de Arecibo take a 1‑0 series lead against Santeros, with the next game scheduled for Saturday in Aguada. The win reinforces their reputation as a tough team at the "Petaca" Iguina arena and puts pressure on the Santeros, who must respond on the road. Plummer’s and Soares’ performances suggest Arecibo has multiple scoring and rebounding options for upcoming games.
What’s next for the Capitanes?
The next matchup will occur on July 14 at the Manuel "Petaca" Iguina Coliseum, where the Capitanes will look to extend their lead. Head coach‑led staff will likely keep the rotation that worked, giving minutes to Chad Baker‑Mazara and veterans to maintain defensive intensity. Meanwhile, Santeros must tweak their offensive scheme to avoid the passing errors that cost them the final possession.
How do they compare with the Giants?
In the other semifinal, the Giants of Carolina‑Canóvanas rallied from a 17‑point deficit to beat Bayamón’s Vaqueros 78‑69, also taking a 1‑0 series edge. Tremont Waters contributed 19 points and Jaylen Nowell added 17, while Jassel Pérez led Bayamón with 25 points. Both series highlight the BSN’s competitiveness and the importance of home‑court advantage in the playoffs.