The Birmingham Squadron (2-5), NBA G League affiliate of the New Orleans Pelicans, fall short to the Mexico City Capitanes (3-6) in their home opener at Legacy Arena, 123-114. The two teams will face off again Tuesday night in Legacy Arena at 7:00 p.m. After heading into halftime tied 61-61, the Capitanes took a lead that they would not relinquish for the remainder of the game. The Capitanes were led by a 30-point performance from forward Alfonzo McKinnie, who shot .550 from the floor on 11-of-20 attempts and added 11 rebounds and one assist. As a team, Mexico City outshot Birmingham, with a .511 field goal percentage - highlighted by 62 points in the paint compared to the Squadron's 40. The Squadron were led by guard Jared Harper, who posted 35 points on a very efficient .632 clip from the field on 12-of-19 attempts. Harper also added four rebounds, a season-high eight assists and two steals to his stat sheet. The Mableton, Georgia native is averaging 22.6 points and 5.9 assists per game this season, one of only seven players in the G League averaging 20+ points and 5+ assists per game. The Squadron finished with four players in double digits, including Harper (35), guard Joe Young (19), forward Malcolm Hill (19) and forward Zylan Cheatham (15). Cheatham notched his third straight double-double, this time with 15 points and 12 rebounds. He is currently averaging 14.9 points and 10.3 rebounds per game this season, one of only nine players in the league averaging a double-double. The Squadron take on the Capitanes again on Tuesday night at Legacy Arena at 7:00 p.m. CT. Birmingham Squadron News Release
