LEON, Mexico (Interstat) — Leon opens its Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional season Wednesday against the Jal. Astros at Domo de la Feria.

Leon enters the matchup with an 0-0 record. Jal. Astros are 0-1 after falling to Lobos Plateados 79-71 on Saturday.

Jal. Astros forward Yoanki Mansia is a player to watch. In the season-opening loss, Mansia played 23 minutes and finished with 12 points and nine rebounds. He also posted 10 points and three rebounds in a 73-64 win over Lobos Plateados on July 31. Over his past four games, Mansia has averaged 9.3 points and 7.8 rebounds.

A.J. Slaughter led Jal. Astros in scoring in the loss with 15 points, adding two rebounds and one assist, while Pedro Bombino Parada contributed 11 points and four rebounds.

Leon will counter with Ticket Gaines, who has been productive in his last two listed games. Gaines had 18 points, seven rebounds and four assists in a 101-89 win over Correcaminos on July 24, then scored 12 points with five rebounds in a 95-88 victory over Correcaminos on July 23. Leon’s most recent result was a 95-85 road win at Cancun El Calor on July 31.

The teams will meet again Thursday at the same venue in a two-game series. After that, Jal. Astros return home to face San Luis Potosi on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12. Leon travels to face Soles on Aug. 11 and Aug. 12.

Both clubs are beginning what they hope will be strong LNBP campaigns. Leon will look to protect home court behind Gaines, while Jal. Astros aim to even their record and get their offense on track after a one-point? Actually, 79-71 eight-point loss.

Tipoff is scheduled Wednesday at Domo de la Feria.