GOYA edges Hoops R' Us 61-58 in tense playoff opener
In a low-scoring, high-drama start to the best-of-16-3 playoff series, GOYA eked out a 61-58 victory over Hoops R' Us. The game flipped momentum several times after an explosive opening quarter from Hoops R' Us, but GOYA's balance and a late dagger sealed a narrow win that sets the tone for the series.
Hoops R' Us sprinted to a 22-15 advantage in the first period behind the hot hand of Rosado Anthony, who finished with a game-high 19 points, drilling five 3-pointers on 7-of-17 shooting. Bury Mario was a consistent presence inside, scoring 18 points on 8-of-15 and chipping in on the boards, while Fishburne Elijah added 15 points and seven rebounds to keep the visitors competitive.
GOYA answered with a steady team recovery. The second quarter was pivotal: timely buckets from González Angel "Pachi" and backcourt strikes including a long ball from Acevedo Luis "Danny" narrowed the gap and eventually erased the lead. By halftime the contest was knotted up and the complexion of the game had shifted—defense and shot selection tightened for both sides.
The third quarter belonged to control and grit. Sheriff James provided a string of mid-range finishes and free throws, helping GOYA seize a lead that would prove important. Troconis John and Medina Wanky also stepped up at key moments, with Medina’s long-range strike in the third helping swing momentum further in GOYA’s favor.
In the fourth, GOYA managed the clock and possessions better, converting enough opportunities to build a slim cushion. González Angel "Pachi" continued to score efficiently inside, and when Sheriff James buried a critical three late in the period, GOYA pushed the margin to a three-point range that proved decisive. Rosado Anthony responded with a last-gasp triple to make things tense, but it wasn't enough.
Stat lines underline the story: Sheriff James finished 7-of-12 for 17 points with four rebounds and an efficiency rating that matched his influence on the floor. González Angel "Pachi" added 15 points on 6-of-10 shooting and four rebounds. For Hoops R' Us, Rosado Anthony's 19 points and Bury Mario's 18 kept the game within reach, while Wilson Erick posted a physical presence with 10 rebounds.
This opener showed a series that will be decided on adjustments and execution. GOYA's ability to recover after an early deficit and convert in the closing minutes gave it the 61-58 win, but with the scoring spread across several contributors on both teams, the next game promises another tactical battle.
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