LNBP: Fuerza Regia opens season vs. Dorados

SAN PEDRO GARZA GARCIA, Mexico (Interstat) — Fuerza Regia will begin the Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional season Wednesday against Dorados at Gimnasio Nuevo Leon.

Fuerza Regia enters at 0-0 after its most recent game overall was an 82-75 win at Aguascalientes on July 31. Avry Holmes led that effort with 23 points, 4 rebounds and 5 assists. Holmes has been consistent in recent outings: 11 points and 5 assists at Aguascalientes on July 30, 9 points with 8 rebounds and 9 assists against Soles on July 26, and 12 points with 5 rebounds against Soles on July 25. Over his last four games, Holmes has averaged 13.8 points, 5.5 assists and 5.0 rebounds.

Dorados, meanwhile, are 0-1 after falling 87-67 to Diablos Rojos on Aug. 1. Center J.J. Avila was the top performer in that loss, playing 35 minutes and finishing with 23 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists. Raymond Spalding added 12 points and 6 rebounds, and Will Cherry had 4 points, 3 rebounds and 5 assists. Avila has been a steady force for Dorados. In his last four games, he has averaged 13.5 points, 11.0 rebounds and 5.0 assists, with double-doubles in three of those contests. He had 12 points and 12 rebounds against Irapuato on July 25, then 10 points and 14 rebounds against Irapuato on July 24.

Wednesday’s matchup will feature a clear contrast: Fuerza Regia is opening its season with a healthy roster and home-court advantage, while Dorados are trying to avoid an 0-2 start. Dorados will need Avila to remain productive and get more help on the perimeter after Cherry and Spalding combined for only 16 points in the season-opening loss. Fuerza Regia will likely lean on Holmes to control tempo and create opportunities for his teammates.

The teams are scheduled to meet again Thursday at the same venue, with Dorados looking to split the two-game set. After that, Dorados return home to face Gambusinos on Aug. 10 and Aug. 11. Fuerza Regia will travel to Diablos Rojos on Aug. 9 and Aug. 10.

With Avila capable of dominating the paint and Holmes able to score and distribute from the backcourt, the series could come down to which supporting cast performs better. Dorados must improve defensively after allowing 87 points in their opener, while Fuerza Regia will aim to start the season with a bounce and build momentum early in the LNBP campaign.