Central Defeat Chabeb El Batroun, 98-88
Central pulled away for a convincing 98-88 D1M win over Chabeb El Batroun at Central on Sunday, December 28. Anyeuri Castillo led the charge for Central with a game-high 41 points and 8 rebounds. The lead changed hands 8 times before Central eventually pulled away for good.
Central took a 51-46 lead into halftime. The fourth quarter was the decisive stretch, with Central outscoring their opponents 29-14 to swing the momentum in their favor.
The game featured several highlight plays. The game featured 10 dunks in total, with M. Ruot (Chabeb El Batroun) throwing down a powerful slam in the first quarter. A. Castillo (Central) connected from beyond the arc in the first quarter during a crucial stretch. K. Wooten was a force on the defensive end with 6 blocks.
Anyeuri Castillo was the undeniable star of the game, finishing with 41 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals in 40 minutes of action. He shot 15-of-21 (71%) from the field, 9-of-11 (82%) from three-point range. Kenny Wooten provided valuable support with 14 points, 5 assists, 2 blocks. Donte Mcgill also chipped in with 18 points off the starting lineup.
Central's bench was a major factor, contributing 16 points off the pine. Elios Saad was the standout reserve, providing 8 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists in a spark-plug role. Central also generated 15 second-chance points and 10 fast-break points, capitalizing on every opportunity.
Both teams shot similarly from the field — Central at 54% and Chabeb El Batroun at 51%. From beyond the arc, Central connected on 15-of-28 (53%) while Chabeb El Batroun managed just 8-of-18 (44%).
Central's ball movement was superior with 25 assists to Chabeb El Batroun's 18. Central was in control for much of the game, putting together a 14-0 scoring run.
The biggest momentum shift came when Central put together a 14-0 run in the fourth quarter, leaving their opponents scrambling to respond.
Down the stretch, Central came up clutch when it mattered most. K. Wooten nailed a clutch free throw with 00:56 remaining to help seal the victory.
Despite the result, Desmond Washington showed his quality for Chabeb El Batroun, contributing 24 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists. Karl Kozah added 20 points, 2 assists, 3 steals, but their combined efforts were not enough to turn the tide.