Preview: Rayos Visit Caballeros in CIBACOPA Matchup

CULIACAN, Mexico (Interstat) — Two teams seeking to reverse early-season struggles will meet Friday when the Hermosillo Rayos visit the Culiacan Caballeros in a Mexican CIBACOPA basketball game at Polideportivo Juan S. Millan.

The Rayos (1-3) arrive having dropped three of their first four contests, most recently an 87-75 home loss to Tijuana on Feb. 21. Guard Romeao Ferguson has been a consistent bright spot, averaging 13.5 points over his last four games, including a 17-point effort in that defeat.

The Caballeros (2-4) have also faced difficulties, coming off a 118-92 home loss to Ciudad de Mexico on March 1. Their fortunes often hinge on the production of center Torren Jones, who is averaging 20.2 points and 8.8 rebounds per game this season. Jones is coming off a dominant 29-point, 11-rebound performance in the March 1 loss.

Both teams list a game from Tuesday, March 3, as a 0-0 result, indicating a postponement or cancellation.

The matchup features contrasting strengths. Hermosillo will rely on the backcourt duo of Ferguson and Ty Toney, who combined for 34 points in the last outing. Culiacan’s interior presence, led by Jones and forward Johnny Hughes, will test a Rayos frontcourt that includes forward KiAndre Gaddy, who posted 13 points and nine rebounds against Tijuana.

The game is the first of a two-game set between the clubs, with a rematch scheduled in Culiacan on Saturday.