CIBACOPA Round 10: Rayos de Hermosillo edge Pioneros Los Mochis by three points

Khalil Iverson

Here is the last round review presented by Job Market.

Seventh-ranked Pioneros Los Mochis (7-13) made lots of trouble for first ranked Rayos de Hermosillo (16-4) on Saturday. The visitors from Hermosillo managed to secure only three-point victory 109-106. However their fans expected much easier game. Rayos de Hermosillo looked well-organized offensively handing out 23 assists comparing to just 6 passes made by Pioneros Los Mochis' players. The game was dominated by American players. Guard Khalil Iverson (196-1997, college: Wisconsin) fired 21 points and 6 assists for the winners. Power forward Terrell Brown-Soares (208-1998, college: San Diego) chipped in 19 points and 9 rebounds. Rayos de Hermosillo's coach used an eleven-player rotation in such tough game. Guard Kennedy Jones (188-1989, college: Arlington Baptist) produced 47 points (!!!) for lost side. Rayos de Hermosillo have an impressive seven-game winning streak. They maintain first position with 16-4 record. Pioneros Los Mochis lost fourth consecutive game. They keep the seventh place with 13 games lost. Rayos de Hermosillo are looking forward to face Caballeros de Culiacan (#3) at home in the next round, which may be the game of the day. Pioneros Los Mochis will play against the league's second-placed Astros (#2) in Guadalajara and are hoping to prove to their fans that they can break losing series.
Important game to mention about took place in Culiacan. Third ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (12-8) saved a 3-point victory at home edging one of their biggest challengers Ostioneros de Guaymas (9-11) 85-82 in the game for the third place. It ended at the same time the three-game winning streak of Ostioneros de Guaymas. Worth to mention a great performance of Colombian Michaell Jackson (190-1987) who helped to win the game recording 26 points and 9 rebounds. Johnny Hughes III contributed with 17 points and 10 rebounds for the winners. Caballeros de Culiacan's coach Mario Andriolo allowed to play the deep bench players in such tough game. American Dylan Smith (196-1997, college: Arizona) replied with a double-double by scoring 31 points and 11 rebounds for Ostioneros de Guaymas. Caballeros de Culiacan maintains third position with 12-8 record having four points less than leader Hermosillo. Ostioneros de Guaymas at the other side keep the fourth place with 11 games lost. They share the position with Tijuana and Mazatlan. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo on the road in the next round and it will be for sure the game of the week. Ostioneros de Guaymas will play against Halcones de Ciudad Obregon and hope to get back on the winning track.
Very important is a home loss of third ranked Caballeros de Culiacan (12-8) against fourth ranked Ostioneros de Guaymas (9-11) on Friday night. Host Caballeros de Culiacan was crushed by Ostioneros de Guaymas in Culiacan 101-81. Anthony Smith had a double-double by scoring 21 points, 13 rebounds and 4 assists (on 7-of-9 shooting from the field) to lead the charge for the winners. At the losing side Teyvion Kirk responded with 25 points. Both coaches used bench players which allowed the starters a little rest for the next games. Ostioneros de Guaymas have a solid three-game winning streak. They maintain fourth position with 9-11 record, which they share with Tijuana and Mazatlan. Loser Caballeros de Culiacan keeps the third place with eight games lost. Ostioneros de Guaymas will meet bottom-ranked Halcones de Ciudad Obregon (#8) on the road in the next round. Caballeros de Culiacan will play against the league's leader Rayos de Hermosillo (#1) and it may be a tough game between close rivals.

Rest of the games of round 10 were quite predictable and ended without any surprises. Here they are:
Mazatlan was crushed by Astros in Guadalajara 113-84. Bottom-ranked Obregon was beaten by Tijuana at home 95-105. Hermosillo destroyed Los Mochis on the opponent's court 85-66. Astros unfortunately lost to Mazatlan in a home game 98-103. Tijuana managed to beat Obregon on the road 88-83.