Posted: Monday, September 15, 2025. 1:11 pm CST.
Arik Nicholas led the Western Ballaz to victory over the Belize City Thunderbolts on Saturday, September 13, 2025. Photo Credit: Western Ballaz Basketball Club
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
Backed by a packed home crowd at the Sacred Heart College Auditorium in San Ignacio, the Ballaz leaned on their stars to deliver under pressure. Arik Nicholas was unstoppable, pouring in 28 points and grabbing 13 rebounds while shooting 52.9% from the field. D’von Campbell added 23 points and 8 boards, including five three-pointers, while Jamell Harris contributed a well-rounded 10 points, 9 rebounds, and 5 assists.
The final minute delivered high drama. With 18.6 seconds left on the clock, Rasheed Reneau tied the game at 78–78 for the Thunderbolts with a floating two-point jumper. But the Ballaz responded with poise. Arik Nicholas drove into the lane and finished with a composed two-point layup with just 6.3 seconds remaining, sending the home crowd into a frenzy and sealing the Mayan Cup for Cayo.
Despite a late surge from the Thunderbolts, led by Matthew Young’s 18 points and 23 rebounds, the Ballaz held firm. Belize City’s balanced attack saw four players score in double figures (Glency Lopez – 12, Alejandro Baptist – 10, Eyan Rene – 10), but turnovers and missed free throws proved costly in the final minutes.
- Arik Nicholas: 28 PTS, 13 REB, 4 3PM
• D’von Campbell: 23 PTS, 8 REB, 5 AST, 5 3PM
• Jamell Harris: 10 PTS, 9 REB, 5 AST, 4 STL
- Matthew Young: 18 PTS, 23 REB, 3 STL
• Glency Lopez: 12 PTS, 10 AST
• Eyan Rene: 10 PTS, 2 3PM
• Alejandro Baptist: 10 PTS, 6 REB
• Tyrone Hall: 8 PTS, 6 REB, 4 AST
The Ballaz now prepare to face the San Pedro Tiger Sharks, who swept the Toucan Cup Finals 2–0, in the three-game BPBL Jaguars Cup Finals.
Advertise with the mоѕt vіѕіtеd nеwѕ ѕіtе іn Belize ~ We offer fully customizable and flexible digital marketing packages. Your content is delivered instantly to thousands of users in Belize and abroad! Contact us at mаrkеtіng@brеаkіngbеlіzеnеwѕ.соm or call us at 501-612-0315.
© 2025, BreakingBelizeNews.com. Content is copyrighted and requires written permission for reprinting in online or print media. Theft of content without permission/payment is punishable by law.
The post Belize Premier Basketball League: Cayo Western Ballaz clinch Mayan Cup in 2-point victory over Belize City Thunderbolts appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Monday, September 15, 2025. 1:11 pm CST. Arik Nicholas led the Western Ballaz to victory over the Belize City Thunderbolts on Saturday, September 13, 2025.
The post Belize Premier Basketball League: Cayo Western Ballaz clinch Mayan Cup in 2-point victory over Belize City Thunderbolts appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.