Xalapa (Mexico), Nov 13 (EFE).- The Halcones de Xalapa, led by the Spaniard Paco Olmos, defeated the champion Fuerza Regia de Monterrey, also Spanish Pablo García, this Wednesday 98-86, bringing them 3-3 closer. 2 in the Mexican basketball semifinal series.
The Falcons, knowing that a loss would eliminate them, started with hot hands at three-point distance with baskets from Argentine Alexis Elsener, Jordan Glynn, Thaddus McFadden and captain Clevin Hannah that forged a 28-20 lead in the first period.
The Olmos quintet kept the pace in the continuation driven by seven points from Sek Henry; They left with a 46-41 lead at halftime, despite Monterrey’s reaction led by Puerto Rican Jaysean Paige.
Xalapa started the third quarter with the same formula as the opening of the game; Pure effectiveness from the three-point area that extended the distance 72-60 thanks to baskets from Glyn, McFadden, on two occasions, and two more from Elsener to the anger of Pablo García, who shoutedly demanded a reaction from his men .
The champions tried to respond in the last period with the push of the relays of Wayne Langston and the Argentine Lucas Faggiano, but the local offensive machinery brought order with an inspired McFadden, leading scorer with 25 points, who was fundamental in the victory that brought Falcons 3-2 in the series.
In the other semifinal, Diablos Rojos del México, led by Argentine Nicolás Casalánguida, defeated Soles de Mexicali, coached by his compatriot Esteban Gatti, 83-77, and took a 3-2 lead in the series.
Mexicali dominated the first period thanks to Daniel Hamilton, with seven points, and Ryan Pearson, six, who despite the visitor’s resistance took command 25-19.
Diablos’ reaction was based on his strength under the board; It was led by Yahir Bonilla, with five rebounds, who also added five points, plus another five from the Argentine Santiago Scala, both coming from the bench, which served to turn the score around 40-36.
An exciting third period put the duel at 53-53, a parity that was broken at the end by Scala with two three-point shots, Michael Smith, the leading scorer with 22 points and a fierce dominance of the paint by Joshua Ibarra, six rebounds, to seal the victory.
In the sixth game of each of these series Diablos will seek their place in the final by hosting Soles and Halcones will travel to face Fuerza Regia, which is also one win away from the final, both duels will take place next Saturday.EFE
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