Arik Nicholas led the Griga Dream Ballers with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Photo Credit: Griga Dream Ballers / Krishawn Bermudez
By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The EZ Investment Griga Dream Ballers held their nerve in the closing minutes to defeat the Corozal Spartans 77–73 on Saturday night at the Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium, earning their first win of the 2026 NEBL season in front of a packed and energetic home crowd.
Momentum swings define a tight contest
Griga opened strongly with a 24–21 first quarter, but the Spartans responded with a 24–17 second period to take a narrow halftime lead. The Dream Ballers regained control in the third, outscoring Corozal 22–14, and held on in a tense fourth quarter where both teams managed 14 points.
The game featured long scoring runs on both sides, but Griga’s ability to convert in transition and force turnovers proved decisive. They scored 27 fast‑break points and capitalized on 25 points from turnovers, key margins in a game where neither side led by more than 11.
Arik Nicholas dominates with 26 points and 16 rebounds
Arik Nicholas delivered one of the standout performances of Week 3, powering Griga with 26 points and 16 rebounds. He attacked the paint relentlessly, finishing 8‑for‑18 on two‑pointers and earning 12 trips to the free‑throw line.
Kyron Molina added 11 points, shooting an efficient 4‑for‑6, while captain Deshawn Brackett contributed 11 points, 6 assists, and 6 steals, setting the tone defensively. Jahiem Ciego chipped in 8 points and 7 rebounds, and Kevon Laurie added valuable minutes off the bench with 6 points and 7 boards.
Griga’s collective effort on the glass—52 total rebounds, including 16 offensive—kept them in control during key stretches.
Kevin Jones and Tayshaun Dawson keep Spartans in the fight
For the Spartans, Kevin Jones was outstanding, scoring 19 points on 9‑for‑12 shooting, while Tayshaun Dawson added 17 points, attacking the rim and keeping Corozal within striking distance.
Captain Ray Cruz posted 8 points and 8 rebounds, and Eddie Ishman contributed 9 points and 8 boards, but the Spartans struggled from long range, shooting just 2‑for‑18 from three.
Corozal’s 29 bench points helped them stay competitive, but turnovers (25) and missed free throws (9‑for‑24) proved costly in the final minutes.
Quarter Scores
- Q1: DDB 24–21
- Q2: COR 24–17
- Q3: DDB 22–14
- Q4: 14–14
Final Score: Dream Ballers 77, Corozal Spartans 73
Griga improve to 1–1, while the Spartans fall to 0–2, still searching for their first win of the campaign.
The post NEBL: EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers outlast Spartans 77–73 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
Arik Nicholas led the Griga Dream Ballers with 26 points and 16 rebounds. Photo Credit: Griga Dream Ballers / Krishawn Bermudez By Rubén Morales Iglesias: The EZ Investment Griga Dream Ballers held their nerve in the closing minutes to defeat the Corozal Spartans 77–73 on Saturday night at the Russel Chiste Garcia Auditorium, earning their
The post NEBL: EZ Investments Griga Dream Ballers outlast Spartans 77–73 appeared first on Belize News and Opinion on www.breakingbelizenews.com.
