The Gigantes de Carolina-Canóvanas started the postseason with a 78-69 win over the defending champion Vaqueros de Bayamón in the first game of the Conference A semifinals. Led by Tremont Waters' 19 points, including two three-pointers, and Jaylen Nowell's 17 points, the Gigantes took advantage of Bayamón's absence of Jae Crowder, who left the team due to 'external reasons'.
The Vaqueros had not lost a game at the Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez during the postseason last year, but the Gigantes' win gives them home-court advantage. The series will continue on Saturday at the Coliseo Carlos Miguel Mangual in Canóvanas.
Gigantes' coach Carlos González noted that this series is different from last year's, as both teams have changed. Rookie Chad Baker-Mazara debuted with 10 points, including two three-pointers, and George Conditt IV added a double-double with 10 points and 10 rebounds.