MEX - Vaqueros pull level at top

AGUA PRIETA (Cibacopa) - Vaqueros have drawn level with Colorados at the top of the North Zone for the first time this season, after crucial victories in the latest round of the Cibacopa league in Mexico.

The Agua Prieta team claimed a double victory over the league leaders at the weekend, starting with a 116-109 win on Friday and a 115-99 victory a day later with Erick Lanford and Gustavo Ayon pouring in 26 points each, to help Vaqueros join their San Luis-based rivals on on 15-9.

They followed up those wins with another double over El Calor.

On Tuesday, Thrash Myles netted 28 points and Jeff Agba added 26 to help the team thump their opponents 124-90, while on Wednesday Ayon poured in 29 points and six rebounds as his team won 101-88.

Colorados, meanwhile, bounced back from their back-to-back weekend losses to overcome Fuerza Guinda.

On Tuesday, the team from Nogales ran out 110-98 winners and 24 hours later claimed a 94-84 win.

Both Vaqueros and Colorados lead the North Zone on 39 points, two more than Fuerza.

In the South Zone, Caballeros drew level with Trigueros at the summit with 19 wins, five defeats and 43 points.

The Culiacan team claimed two home wins over Pioneros from Los Mochis, with Joe Chapman netting 26 points and Lorenzo Trudo adding 24 to help their team to a 105-78 triumph on Friday.

Trudo poured in a further 28 points on Saturday as the hosts eased to a 106-95 victory.

Caballeros then travelled to Navojoa in midweek, where they claimed another double win at Paskolas - 102-78 on Tuesday and 95-81 on Wednesday.

The other South Zone leaders, Trigueros, found that Friday’s 103-80 home defeat to Tiburones was crucial as they ceded their sole leadership.

The Ciudad Obregon team managed to avenge that loss with a 111-92 turnaround on Saturday, with Maurice Riddick bagging 39 points and Ron Howard adding 24.

Tiburones’ week continued with two wins at Frayles - a narrow 101-100 triumph on Tuesday and 114-98 on Wednesday.

Alistair Mason
FIBA