MEX - Soles take clear lead

MEXICALI (LNBP) - Soles have taken a 2-0 lead over Halcones from Xalapa in the LNBP Finals in Mexico to leave themselves just two victories away from being crowned champions.

In the first game of the best-of-seven tie on Friday night, Soles demonstrated why their defence is regarded as the best in the league, particularly in the fourth quarter.

Reigning champions Halcones led 61-60 at the end of the third quarter, but Soles dominated the final quarter to sweep aside Halcones allowing them to net them just 8 points, while the hosts netted 27 to win 87-69.

James Penny top scored with 23 points for the winners, while Greg Lewis made a significant contribution with 19 points and eight rebounds.

Victor Mariscal, with 15 points, was Halcones’ most impressive performer on the night.

One day later, Silvio Santander’s Soles extended the lead by winning Game Two 90-83.

Soles raced into a comfortable 54-39 lead at half-time, but Halcones got their game together in the third period to reduce the deficit up to just seven points, 69-62.

Halcones then managed to level the game with only three minutes remaining, but when four of their most influential players left the court due to personal foul-accumulation Soles took advantage by re-establishing the seven-point gap that proved to be too much for Halcones to claw back.

Lewis top-scored with 27 points and was well supported by Lopez (18) and Horacio Llamas, 17 points, 16 rebounds and four assists, while Victor Mariscal’s 22 points were in vain for Halcones.

Soles, the outstanding team in the regular season (32-4), are still unbeaten at their State Auditorium after 32 home games - with 29 consecutive home victories.

The two sides now move to Xalapa, where Halcones will attempt to reduce the deficit with back-to-back matches on Tuesday and Wednesday.

PA Sport