Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2025. 10:21 am CST.
Jihad Wright scored 15 points to lead the San Pedro Tiger Sharks to Friday night’s 65-62 win over the Western Ballaz in the first game of the BPBL Final Series for tbe Jaguar Cup. File Photo: Shot By Iz
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: 
The San Pedro Tiger Sharks held off a late surge by the Cayo Western Ballaz to claim Game 1 of the BPBL Jaguar Finals 65–62 on Friday night at the Belize City Civic Center, taking a crucial step toward the inaugural Belize Premier Basketball League championship.
In a game defined by grit, rebounds, and defensive intensity, the Tiger Sharks leaned on veteran leadership and clutch execution to preserve their unbeaten playoff run.
Wright and White Deliver Under Pressure
Jihad Wright led all scorers with 15 points, adding six rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a commanding two-way performance. Brian White was a force on the boards, grabbing a game-high 16 rebounds to go with 13 points on 60% shooting. Together, they anchored San Pedro’s interior dominance, combining for seven of the team’s 17 offensive rebounds.
Francis Arana added eight points and four assists, while Tyrell Griffith chipped in nine points and three assists to help seal the win.
Ballaz Fight Back but Fall Short
The Western Ballaz, who trailed by as many as 11, mounted a fierce comeback behind Darnell Oden’s 13 points and 10 rebounds. Jamell Harris added 12 points and 10 boards, while Arik Nicholas contributed 11 points, seven rebounds, and three blocks in a valiant effort.
Despite outshooting San Pedro from beyond the arc (9-of-22 for 40.9%), the Ballaz struggled with turnovers (19 total) and missed key free throws down the stretch.
Stat Snapshot
– San Pedro shot 35.9% from the field and just 13.3% from three-point range, but dominated the glass with 43 rebounds.
– Cayo Western Ballaz matched the Sharks with 17 offensive rebounds but committed 19 turnovers to San Pedro’s seven.
– The Ballaz bench contributed 17 points, while San Pedro’s reserves added 11.
Series Outlook
With Game 2 set for Saturday night at 9:00 pm, also at the Civic Center, the Tiger Sharks now hold a 1–0 lead in the best-of-three Jaguar Finals. A win tomorrow would crown them the first-ever BPBL champions. The Ballaz, meanwhile, must regroup quickly to force a decisive Game 3 on October 5.
Jaguar Finals Schedule
– Game 2: Saturday, September 27 – Belize City Civic Center @ 9:00 pm
– Game 3 (if necessary): Sunday, October 5 – Belize City Civic Center @ 5:00 pm
San Pedro may have drawn first blood, but the battle for the Jaguar Cup is far from over. Expect fireworks in Game 2.
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The post Belize Premier Basketball League: Tiger Sharks edge 65-62 Western Ballaz in Jaguar Finals opener appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Posted: Saturday, September 27, 2025. 10:21 am CST. Jihad Wright scored 15 points to lead the San Pedro Tiger Sharks to Friday night’s 65-62 win over
The post Belize Premier Basketball League: Tiger Sharks edge 65-62 Western Ballaz in Jaguar Finals opener appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
