Bayamón is a game away from another BSN title

Bayamón’s Rayjon Tucker gets inside against Ponce on Saturday. The Vaqueros lead the BSN finals 3-1 and will be looking to win their 17th league championship at home tonight. (Alexa Alejandro)

By The Star Staff

The Bayamón Vaqueros (Cowboys) defeated the Ponce Leones (Lions) 88-79 on the road Saturday night to take a 3-1 lead in the National Superior Basketball (BSN) finals.

Ponce opened the game aggressively, taking a 21-15 first-quarter lead. In the second frame the hosts maintained their advantage, leading 40-36 at halftime.

In the second half, Bayamón adjusted its defense and began to find its rhythm on offense, narrowing the gap to trail by just a point after three quarters, 60-59.

In the final 10 minutes, the Vaqueros took control on offense to seal the victory, 88-79.

Danilo Gallinari had 21 points and eight rebounds, and JaVale McGee had 21 points and five rebounds for Bayamón. Stephen Thompson Jr. added 14 points and seven rebounds off the bench, and Gary Browne contributed 13 points, nine assists, and a pair of steals.

Michael Devoe had 29 points and 11 rebounds for Ponce, with Matt Mooney adding 14 points and Christian Negrón 10.

Game 5 tips off at 8:15 tonight at Rubén Rodríguez Coliseum in Bayamón.