FIBA Americas League - Soles and Halcones storm to convincing triumphs in FIBA Americas League

XALAPA (FIBA Americas League) - Mexico swept the opening day's play in the FIBA Americas League Group D on Tuesday.

Soles de Mexicali beat their Argentinian counterparts Quimsa in the first game 87-73 after getting 18 points from Anthony James Pedroza, 15 from Greg Lewis and 13 from Horacio Llamas.

The Mexican outfit only led 46-40 at half-time and 66-59 with 10 minutes to play before they pulled away for a 14-point triumph.

Soles, who lost to Penarol in the final of last year's FIBA Americas League, hit 11 of 27 (41%) of their shots from long range, compared to Quimsa's six of 20 (30%) effort.

In the nightcap, Halcones Xalapa thrashed Costa Ricans Liceo 116-73.

The hosts of Group D stamped their authority on the contest in the first quarter, storming into a 30-19 lead.

Liceo, who qualified for the FIBA Americas League after winning the Central American League For Clubs, reduced the deficit to 53-44 by half-time only for Halcones to deliver the knockout punch after the interval.

They outscored Liceo 33-15 in the third quarter and cruised.

Leroy Hickerson led Halcones with 21 points, nine rebounds and eight assists while Dontae Truit scored in 18 and pulled down eight boards.

Abdul Mills also had a big game with 14 points and seven assists.

Halcones are in rich form these days. They lead Mexico's LNBP with 42 wins and just two defeats, with Soles in second place at 37-7.

FIBA