LMBF Round 7 (Regular Season): Ahuachapan defeats Capitalinas in the closest game of the week
Round 7 of the LMBF regular season delivered just about everything: a one-point nail-biter, a statement win from the undefeated leaders, and a team-oriented clinic from a title contender. Ahuachapan edged Capitalinas 51-50 in the week’s tightest finish, San Salvador stayed perfect with a 119-42 blowout of Ahuachapan, and Santa Ana downed L.M.Mons. 87-78 behind crisp ball movement and a dominant night from Diana Armas.
Ahuachapan survives a thriller vs Capitalinas (51–50)
In a tense, defense-first contest, Ahuachapan climbed out of the cellar by forcing 20 turnovers and rejecting eight shots to scrape past Capitalinas by a single point. The visitors leaned on aggressive perimeter pressure and timely rim protection to shut down late comeback attempts.
- Ahuachapan standout: D’Mya Griffin poured in 25 points and swiped 7 steals, setting the tone on both ends.
- Frontcourt wall: Cecilia Laguan chipped in 9 points, grabbed 8 boards, and swatted 7 shots.
- Capitalinas leaders: Jael Asprilla battled to a 15-point, 17-rebound double-double, while Natalia Castillo added 11 points and 6 rebounds.
The result bumps Ahuachapan into sixth place, while Capitalinas slide to the bottom after a ninth consecutive defeat. Next up, Ahuachapan face a tough test against Salvadorenas, and Capitalinas attempt to stop the skid against the runaway leaders, San Salvador.
San Salvador unstoppable in rout of Ahuachapan (119–42)
San Salvador extended their flawless campaign to 10-0 with a dominant performance that showcased their depth, pace, and precision. They overwhelmed Ahuachapan on the glass (44-31, with 18 offensive rebounds), carved up the defense with 30 assists, and turned defense into offense by forcing 20 turnovers. The leaders also punished the paint, racking up 56 inside points.
- San Salvador stars: Elisa Dominguez erupted for 43 points with 4 assists; Arlenys Romero added 24 points and 7 dimes.
- Supporting cast: A. Galindo posted 17 points and 11 rebounds; N. Morales delivered 12 points and 13 boards; L. Rivas chipped in 10 points and 4 assists. Five players reached double figures.
- Ahuachapan bright spots: D’Mya Griffin registered a 13-point, 12-rebound double-double; Karen Muñoz scored 11.
San Salvador keep sole possession of first place and now host bottom-placed Capitalinas in a matchup that, on paper, favors the leaders. Ahuachapan, coming off both a heavy loss and a gritty win, head into another challenging assignment versus Salvadorenas.
Santa Ana outpaces L.M.Mons. with team-first basketball (87–78)
Santa Ana tightened their grip on second place at 8-2, posting 27 assists in a balanced effort that wore down L.M.Mons. Efficient shooting and smart playmaking proved decisive, even as the hosts put up a strong fight.
- Santa Ana engine: Diana Armas dominated with 26 points, 14 rebounds, and 4 assists on 11-of-14 shooting.
- Playmaking punch: Vanessa Hernandez orchestrated with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and 10 assists; Mariela Aristondo added 21 points.
- L.M.Mons. standouts: Yenifer Jimenez flirted with a triple-double (24 points, 12 rebounds, 9 assists), Monica Calderon posted 16 points and 10 boards, and M. Munguia contributed 17 points.
With the win, Santa Ana remain the closest challengers to San Salvador. L.M.Mons. fall to 4-6, holding fourth place alongside Santa Tecla. The race for playoff positioning is heating up between these mid-table rivals.
Table talk and what’s next
San Salvador’s perfect run continues to set the pace at the top, while Santa Ana’s cohesion keeps them within striking distance. Ahuachapan’s razor-thin victory could mark a turning point as they leave the last spot behind. Capitalinas, mired in a rough stretch, need a spark to halt their slide. L.M.Mons. and Santa Tecla are neck and neck in the battle for seeding.
- Ahuachapan at Salvadorenas
- Capitalinas at San Salvador
- L.M.Mons. vs Santa Tecla
- Santa Ana at Ahuachapan
Round 7 proved that margins can be razor-thin at one end and massive at the other. With form lines starting to solidify, the next slate of games could reshape the middle of the pack—and test whether anyone can slow the league leaders.
