The 2026 Liga de Baloncesto season delivered a classic road victory on May 11 as Sabios de Manizales edged past Motilones del Norte with a hard-fought 94-89 win in Valledupar. The result tightens the race for playoff positioning in Colombia’s top-flight basketball competition, with Sabios demonstrating their resilience on foreign hardwood.

Match Overview

The contest at the Coliseo Cubierto Elías Chegwin was a back-and-forth affair from the opening tip. Motilones del Norte, playing in front of a passionate home crowd, came out with high energy, but Sabios de Manizales matched every run and pulled away late with clutch shooting and disciplined defence. The final score, 94-89, reflected the narrow margins that have defined the league’s current season.

Key Moments

• First half surge: Sabios opened a 10-point lead midway through the second quarter, only for Motilones to storm back with a 14-2 run before halftime, cutting the deficit to 48-46.
• Third quarter shift: The visitors regained control in the third, outscoring Motilones 28-22 behind a flurry of three-pointers and fast-break buckets.
• Clutch final minutes: With under two minutes to play, Motilones trimmed the lead to 90-88. But Sabios’ veteran guard converted a critical and-one play, followed by a defensive stop that sealed the victory.

Tactical Story

Sabios de Manizales relied on a balanced offensive attack and a zone defence that confused Motilones’ pick-and-roll actions. Motilones, known for their inside presence, struggled to establish a consistent post game against Sabios’ active help defenders. On the other end, Sabios spread the floor effectively, creating driving lanes that led to high-percentage looks or kick-out threes. The visitors shot 48% from the field and 38% from beyond the arc, compared to Motilones’ 44% overall shooting.

Standout Players

• Sabios de Manizales: The team’s leading scorer poured in 26 points on 9-of-16 shooting, including four three-pointers, while also dishing out six assists. Centre added a double-double with 14 points and 12 rebounds, controlling the glass on both ends.
• Motilones del Norte: The home team’s star guard finished with 28 points and 7 assists, but his five turnovers proved costly. Forward chipped in 18 points and 9 rebounds in a losing effort.

Table and Season Impact

With the win, Sabios de Manizales improved to 12-9, moving into sole possession of fourth place in the Liga de Baloncesto standings. Motilones del Norte dropped to 10-11, now tied for sixth and in danger of falling out of the playoff picture. Both teams have nine regular-season games remaining, making every result pivotal as the postseason approaches.

The atmosphere in Valledupar was electric, but Sabios’ poise in crunch time proved the difference. This game will be remembered as a statement win for a team that looks ready to make noise in the playoffs.