My Thoughts on the Matchups Posted on May 7, 2025 at 04:13:01 PM by jatna77
Thanks Mo!
Stan-Flores vs. Jeden-Cabrera
Jeden is better than Stan and Cabrera is better than Flores. So unless something weird happens, 1-0 Fireballs.
Goenaga-Urbieta vs. Urrutia-Cabrera
Urbieta is better than Cabrera. I think someday Urrutia will be better on this court than Goenaga but not yet. So, unless Urrutia plays amazingly well and Cabrera makes no mistakes, I think the score will be 1-1.
Goixerri-Ben vs. Laloo-Aratz
This is a key game and The Fireball's best chance to win. Goixerri is better than Laloo and much more aggressive, once he ramps up. Aratz is way better than Ben but I believe that superior offense usually beats superior defense, given that you can throw the ball to places and at speeds that no human can get to. Laloo and Aratz need to hammer Ben and neutralize Goixerri by making him play rebotes in the back and passing him in the front. If Goixerri has a very bad day they might stand a chance but I seriously doubt that will happen. So, 2-1 Renegades.
Goenaga-Flores vs. Jeden-Cabrera
Goenaga has been on fire lately. As good as Jeden has been doing, I don't think he can keep up. The Fireballs would have to completely keep it away from Goenaga and hammer Flores. Meanwhile, Goenaga just needs to make sure his 2-walls open wide and that his drop shots are "droppier" than they were in the playoff game. Split placements and the unexpected filo can also be effective for him. I doubt Goenaga will fall for Cabrera's backhand 2-wall very often. 3-1 Renegades.
Goixerri-Urbieta vs. Urrutia-Aratz
This is another clutch game. It comes down to Urrutia. I think he has the potential to be as good as Goixerri but I don't think he is there yet. He has been pretty inconsistent this season with some brilliancy and some poor accuracy. I don't think he has a full handle on the court yet. He would need to play incredibly to win this. So 4-1 Renegades.
Stan-Ben vs. Laloo-Cabrera
Now, if one of the Aratz games goes the Fireball's way, then Laloo-Cabrera should mop the floor with Stan-Ben, unless Cabrera is 100% gassed and Stan plays much, much better than normal.
I would love to see the Fireballs pull it off but I do not think it will happen.
Keep in mind though, that anything can happen in Jai-Alai and also that I completely suck at predicting this game. =p
Tiger's Jai-Alai Chalk Talk
