Ugandan Arthur Kaluma turned a tough loss into a statement performance as the South Bay Lakers thumped Mexico City Capitanes 125–95 on Saturday night.
Less than 24 hours after a 123–113 defeat at the UCLA Health Training Center, South Bay returned with purpose and Kaluma led the charge.
The Uganda Silverbacks forward delivered a game-high 25 points, shooting a remarkable 9 of 10 from the field and sinking six of seven three-pointers to earn Player of the Game honors.
Kaluma needed just 28 minutes to take control. He set the tone early, stretched the floor and never allowed the Capitanes a way back.
It was another step forward after he had posted a career high 20 points and eight rebounds in Friday’s loss.
South Bay played with urgency from the opening tip. Kaluma’s hot hand powered the early surge, with Luke Goode adding 23 points and six three-pointers.
Augustas Marčiulionis ran the offense smoothly with nine assists, while Kylor Kelley dominated the boards with 13 rebounds.
The Lakers were in full command by halftime and pulled further clear after the break as Mexico City struggled to cope with their shooting.
South Bay finished the night hitting 52.3 percent from the field and 47.5 percent from three.
Boo Buie III scored 22 points for the Capitanes, but they shot just 40.5 percent overall and were outplayed at both ends, suffering their heaviest defeat of the mini-series.
