Tiger Sharks Strike Late to Sink Western Ballers in Jaguar Cup Opener

BELIZE CITY – The Jaguar Cup tipped off with a heavyweight battle, and it did not disappoint. In front of a roaring crowd, the San Pedro Tiger Sharks clawed past the Cayo Western Ballers 65–62 in a thriller that went down to the final seconds.

This wasn’t just a game—it was a statement. Every possession felt like a playoff war, every bucket like a gut punch. From highlight dunks to clutch threes, fans got their money’s worth in Game 1 of Belize’s biggest basketball showcase.

How It Happened

San Pedro came out swinging, riding Malik Hunt’s early flurry at the rim to an 11–2 start. By halftime, the Tiger Sharks held a narrow 37–35 lead despite a push from Cayo’s twin towers, Jamell Harris and Darnell Oden, who punished the paint with rebounds and put-backs.

The third quarter saw San Pedro flex its depth. Brian White (13 pts, 16 reb) dominated the boards like a man possessed, while Jihad Wright (15 pts) slashed through defenders. The Sharks built a 14-point cushion, but the Ballers refused to die.

Cue the comeback: Oden went to work, Harris drilled a dagger three, and D’von Campbell’s late drives tied it at 62 with just over a minute to play. The arena shook with every possession.

But champions finish strong. Wright’s dunk lit up the scoreboard, and White’s offensive rebound and putback sealed it as the Ballers’ final heave fell short. The Sharks walked away with the Cup’s first strike.

Top Performers

• Brian White (San Pedro): 13 pts, 16 reb, countless hustle plays

• Jihad Wright (San Pedro): 15 pts, fearless finishing, clutch free throws

• Devin Daly (San Pedro): 9 pts in 17 mins, momentum-shifting triples

• Jamell Harris (Cayo): 12 pts, 10 reb, defensive anchor

• Darnell Oden (Cayo): 13 pts, 10 reb, gritty inside presence

Game Trends

• Glass Control: San Pedro dominated the boards (43 rebounds) thanks to White’s workhorse effort.

• Bench Sparks: Daly and Griffith’s energy gave San Pedro critical second-half runs.

• Cayo’s Grit: Despite trailing big, the Ballers clawed back behind Oden’s toughness and Campbell’s playmaking.

What’s Next

For San Pedro, it’s proof they can win even when the offense isn’t sharp (35.9% FG). For Cayo, it’s fuel. They know they can push the league’s most storied franchise to the brink.

If Game 1 is the appetizer, the Jaguar Cup feast is going to be unforgettable.

 Tiger Sharks Bite First in Jaguar Cup Thriller
📊 Final: San Pedro Tiger Sharks 65 – Cayo Western Ballers 62