Mayo scores 25, Capitanes survive Legends rally

Zeke Mayo scored a game-high 25 points as the Mexico City Capitanes held off a fourth-quarter rally from the Texas Legends to secure a 97-93 victory in a Tip-Off Tournament game Tuesday at Mexico City Arena.

The Capitanes, who led by as many as 18 points and never trailed, also received key contributions from Rafael Castro, who posted 15 points and seven rebounds. David Sloan added 12 points and five assists, while Tomas Chapero anchored the defense with a game-high five blocks.

The Legends had four players score in double figures in the comeback effort. Chris Mantis led the team with 21 points, including five 3-pointers, and Matt Cross added 20 points and eight rebounds. Adam Flagler and Darin Green Jr. each chipped in 14 points. Jeremy Sochan finished with nine points, a game-high 12 rebounds and eight assists.

Texas started the fourth quarter down 77-64. With just 2:30 left, the score was tied at 90. Mexico City went ahead by two points on a dunk by Agapy De Melo Santos with two minutes left and built a 95-90 lead. A 3-pointer by Darin Green Jr. cut the deficit to 95-93 with 48 seconds left. The Capitanes' James Bouknight missed two free throws with seven seconds remaining, giving Texas a chance to tie or take the lead. However, a turnover by Sochan with 5.1 seconds left gave the ball back to Mexico City. Bouknight was fouled again and made both free throws with three seconds on the clock to seal the victory.

Up next: The Capitanes visit the Osceola Magic in a Tip-Off Tournament game at Silver Spurs Arena in Kissimmee, Florida, on Thursday at 7 p.m. ET. The Legends host the Rio Grande Valley Vipers in a Tip-Off Tournament matchup at Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas, on Friday at 8 p.m. ET.

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