CIBACOPA PREVIEW: JAL. ASTROS AT CULIACAN

CULIACAN, Mexico (Interstat) — The Jal. Astros, owners of the best record in the Mexican CIBACOPA at 66-11, visit the Culiacan Caballeros (18-21) on Tuesday night at Polideportivo Juan S. Millan.

The Astros enter on a bounce-back note after a 112-84 demolition of Culiacan on Saturday, May 23. That victory avenged a 94-86 loss to the Caballeros a night earlier. The two teams have split their last four meetings, though Jal. Astros hold a 4-2 edge in the season series.

Jal. Astros center Makhi Mitchell has been a force. In Saturday’s win, he posted 24 points, 10 rebounds, four assists and three blocks in 27 minutes. Over his last 10 games, Mitchell has averaged 13.2 points and 7.6 rebounds, with five double-doubles. He also recorded 14 points and eight rebounds in the May 22 loss to Culiacan.

For the Caballeros, forward Johnny Hughes has been the top scorer. In Saturday’s defeat, he poured in 24 points, six rebounds and three assists in 30 minutes. Hughes had 14 points, four rebounds and two blocks in the May 22 victory. Over his last five games, he is averaging 17.6 points and 4.8 rebounds.

Culiacan has struggled to find consistency, winning only two of its last six outings. Jal. Astros, meanwhile, have won eight of their last 10 and are riding a high-powered offense that averaged 107.8 points over that stretch.

Tipoff is scheduled for 8 p.m. local time. The teams meet again Wednesday, May 27, in the same venue.