MEX – Xalapa survive Soles comeback attempt

MEXICALI (LNBP) - Halcones UV Xalapa won 86-78 at Soles on Saturday night to claim a 3-1 lead in the LNBP Finals and move within one victory of the Mexican title.

Beaten finalists in this year's FIBA Americas League, Xalapa hit back from Friday’s Game 3 defeat to Soles immediately, outscoring them 40-20 in the first quarter to seemingly take command.

The first three games in the series had comebacks, though, and this one did as well.

Soles closed the gap to 57-50 by half-time and shaved the deficit to just two (68-66) with 50 seconds remaining in the third quarter on Anthony Pedroza's three-ball.

Donta Truitt scored for Xalapa to make it 70-66 at the end of the frame, but Arturo Vazquez replied with a basket 38 seconds into the fourth quarter to again make it a two-point game.

Xalapa scored seven unanswered points.

Truitt made two free throws, Victor Mariscal drilled a three-pointer and his fellow Mexico international Gustavo Ayon added a basket for a 77-68 advantage.

Soles didn't give up, with James Penny's bucket pulling the hosts to within 80-77 with 1:39 to go.

Penny had an opportunity to tie the contest but missed from the behind the arc with 1:10 to go and Truitt went to the other end and scored.

Greg Lewis was then off target for Soles, and Xalapa rebounded before closing out the victory.

Soles' Pedroza had 21 points to lead all scorers.

They must win on Sunday at home to stay alive in the series and force a Game 6 back in Xalapa.

FIBA