**Soles Advance to Zone Semifinals in LNBP**
The Mexicali Soles have secured their place in the zone semifinals of the Liga Caliente.MX LNBP 2024 season. Their triumphant performance against the Halcones Rojos of Veracruz saw them winning in two games, with the final match ending in a 97-72 victory.
A crowd of approximately 3,000 fans witnessed the Soles’ decisive win, rendering any further matches in this Play-In phase unnecessary. During the early part of the game, both teams were evenly matched at 11 points each. However, the Soles soon took the lead, thanks to a three-pointer from Erik Thomas that set the score at 20-14.
The second quarter was dominated by the Soles, who led 56-32 by halftime, with Jordan Swing contributing three three-pointers and a strong defensive performance. Although Veracruz attempted a comeback with a 21-15 score in the third quarter, it proved insufficient. The Soles regained control in the final quarter with a 26-19 scoreline, much to the delight of their fans.
The Soles showcased a balanced team effort, with five players scoring in double digits. Jordan Swing led with 16 points, including four triples, followed by Daniel Hamilton with 15 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists. Michael Watkins added 14 points and 8 rebounds, Ryan Pearson contributed 13 points, and Lucas MartÃnez finished with 10 points, including two triples. For the Halcones Rojos, Kenneth Horton scored 24 points with 11 rebounds, while Deshawndre Washington ended his season with 19 points and 4 rebounds.
Coming up next, Soles will face the Astros de Jalisco in the Zone Semifinals. The series will follow a 3-out-of-5 format, with the first game set to take place on Saturday, October 26, at Arena Astros. If necessary, a fourth game could occur on Thursday, October 31, at Auditorio PSF in Mexicali.
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**Secondary Story: Upcoming Match Preview – Soles vs. Astros**
As the Soles prepare for their semifinal showdown against the formidable Astros de Jalisco, anticipation builds among fans and analysts alike. The Astros, known for their high-paced and tactical gameplay, are expected to provide a stiff challenge to the Soles, who are coming off an impressive victory over Veracruz.
In their last regular-season encounter, both teams showcased their strengths, with the series tied. The Soles will rely heavily on their star player Erik Thomas and the strategic acumen of their coach to exploit any weaknesses in the Astros’ defense. On the other hand, the Astros will bank on their home advantage, looking to capitalize on the support of their fervent fan base at the Arena Astros.
This series promises to deliver high-intensity basketball as both teams vie for the coveted spot in the LNBP finals, marking it a must-watch for basketball enthusiasts. Keep an eye on key matchups, such as Jordan Swing against Astros’ defensive lineup, which could dictate the outcome of these thrilling games.