By The Star Staff
The Ponce Lions defeated the Caguas Criollos 97-81 on Thursday night at Juan Pachín Vicéns Auditorium in Ponce to even their National Superior Basketball semifinal series at 2-2.
The hosts found themselves down in the first quarter, but it was a different story the rest of the way. Powered by the play of Jared Ruiz, the Lions led by as many as 17 points in the second half. They shot 54 percent from the field and took control in the paint, scoring 50 points inside the arc. In addition, they had four players in double figures with an all but unstoppable Ruiz having his best game of the season.
Ruiz finished with 31 points, six rebounds, two assists and two steals. He also shot 70 percent from the field and sank four 3-pointers. Point guard Jezreel de Jesús was his right-hand man with 21 points, five rebounds and five assists. Jordan Murphy and Bryon Allen also scored in double figures with 13 and 10 points, respectively.
Travis Trice led the visitors with 25 points, two rebounds and eight assists, Akil Mitchell had 16 points and four rebounds, and Louis King added 13 points.
On Friday night, the Manatí Bears (3-0) will host the Carolina Giants (0-3) with an opportunity to sweep the other semifinal series, while the Lions and Criollos will face off again at Roger Mendoza Coliseum in Caguas.
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