19 January, 2018
25 March
5 Jordan Nicholas Glynn Ramirez (MEX)
20/01/2018
News
to read

Ferro and Group A host Fuerza Regia wins jump-start the 2018 DIRECTV Liga de las Américas

MONTERREY (DIRECTV Liga de las Americas 2018) -  The 11th edition of Liga de las Américas began yesterday at the Nuevo León Unido Gymnasium in Monterrey, Mexico. Continental basketball reverberated once again with the start of the region’s most important competition.

In the match that commenced Group A, Ferro defeated Soles de Mexicali by a slim 79-77. It was the historical debut for the Argentines at Liga de las Américas, and they suffered more than they expected after managing to be in the lead by 11 points. The Argentines didn't know how to end the game and allowed the Mexicans to catch up just enough to put in danger what seemed to be a certain victory for the South Americans.

Ferro took home the victory thanks to a noteworthy performance by point guard Franco Balbi, who controlled the game’s rhythm and handed out 11 assists, demonstrating with some of them his extraordinary game mentality. He was very well backed by American players Thompson and Harper (18 points each) and by Alessio, from Argentina (17 points). Meanwhile, for Soles, Mexican national team player Orlando Méndez was the most outstanding, with 14 points and 3-6 triples.

At the evening showdown, Fuerza Regia defended their strength and dominated Capitanes de Arecibo, 79-67. The hosts demonstrated defensive fortitude, and while their offense wasn't as brilliant, it was enough to take home a nice victory that will help them recover from their currently bad performance in the Mexico National League.

Paco Olmos’ team triumph was characterized by a precise use of the ball, with only 9 losses. Jordan Glynn was the team’s main offensive weapon with 18 points —thanks to 4 triples. Beyond the usual lack of activity of Puerto Rican teams before Liga de las Américas, Capitanes fought until the very end, even after suffering a 20-point drawback. Jezreel de Jesús was the main scorer for the losing side, with 25 points.

As was speculated in pre-game analysis, Group A portrayed in its first day four competitive teams that will fight to win the pass to the Semi-Finals. For this reason, each victory —and the difference in points with which it’s achieved— will be very valuable.