EL SEGUNDO, Calif. — The South Bay Lakers dropped a 123-113 decision to the Mexico City Capitanes on Thursday night at UCLA Health Training Center, falling to 5-6 on the season.
Nick Smith Jr. and Chris Mañon each scored 25 points to lead South Bay, which had five players finish in double figures. Smith Jr. added nine assists, three rebounds and two blocks, while Mañon contributed four rebounds, four assists and two steals. Center Kylor Kelley recorded his team-leading sixth double-double of the season with 11 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. RJ Davis scored 21 points for his fourth consecutive 20-point game, and rookie Arthur Kaluma posted a career-high 20 points and eight rebounds.
Mexico City built a 16-point lead in the first half before South Bay rallied with an 11-2 run in the third quarter to pull within one. The Capitanes regained control in the fourth quarter and extended the margin to 18 points with three minutes remaining.
Eight Capitanes players scored in double figures, led by Boo Buie III with 19 points and eight assists. LJ Figueroa added 17 points, Ahmad Caver and Wade Taylor IV each scored 16, and James Bouknight finished with 14 points, five rebounds and five assists. Tomas Chapero had 12 points, RJ Melendez scored 11 and Felipe Haase added 10.
South Bay will host the Capitanes again on Saturday, Jan. 24, at UCLA Health Training Center.