TOP END Edges Arepa Power in Tight SUMMER LEAGUE Clash

In a thrilling encounter at CUBA HUNTER, the SUMMER LEAGUE 2026 season's fifth round delivered a nail-biter, with TOP END narrowly defeating Arepa Power 66-64. The game was a showcase of tenacity and skill, as both teams stayed locked in a close battle throughout all four quarters.

The opening period set the tone with an even 14-14 scoreline, followed by a slight edge to TOP END in the second (18-17). The intensity continued through the third quarter, where both sides poured in 20 points apiece, leaving the score finely poised going into the final period. A back-and-forth fourth quarter saw TOP END just outlast Arepa Power by a single point, 14-13, to seal the win.

At the heart of TOP END’s effort was Norman Hayes, who spearheaded the offense with an impressive 31 points on 11-for-23 shooting from the field, including six made three-pointers out of 13 attempts. Complementing his scoring, Hayes pulled down five rebounds and maintained a solid plus-minus of +2. Ahren Freeman was equally pivotal, contributing 10 points alongside a remarkable 18 rebounds and 6 assists, reflecting his all-around dominance on both ends of the floor.

Arepa Power fought valiantly, with Josh Strand leading their scoring charge. He recorded 14 points on a combination of mid-range and perimeter shots, including 3 three-pointers, while grabbing 6 rebounds and dishing out 2 assists. Fernando Malave provided an efficient offensive spark, shooting 75% from the field and adding 13 points, while Miguel Cordova contributed 16 points, showcasing impressive 57% accuracy from beyond the arc.

The fourth quarter featured key moments that defined the outcome. Q. Jackson of TOP END was clutch from the free-throw line in the final seconds, securing the crucial points needed for the narrow victory. Meanwhile, Arepa Power’s desperate three-point attempts late in the game were ultimately just short of overcoming the deficit.

The tight contest highlighted the competitive depth of the SUMMER LEAGUE this season, emphasizing strong individual performances balanced by cohesive team effort. TOP END now moves forward with a hard-fought win that could prove vital as the season progresses.

This post was generated by AI.