Jeff Early Jr., a 37-year-old, 6'3" shooting guard for the Criollos de Caguas, made a crucial mid-range shot with 48 seconds left to play, securing a 98-92 victory over the Cangrejeros de Santurce in the first game of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN) Conference A semifinals. Early Jr. finished with 8 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 fouls in 12:35 minutes of play.
He noted that his role on the team is to defend, saying 'that's how I earn my money.' Early Jr. has played in Portugal and Mexico and had a similar defensive role with the Indios de Mayagüez, helping them reach the semifinals for the first time since 2012. He was traded to Caguas after three years with Mayagüez and has become a starter in the rotation under coach Wilhelmus Caanen.
Travis Trice led the Criollos' offense with 32 points, 24 of which came in the first half.