The Vaqueros de Bayamón will start their title defense in the BSN playoffs today when they host the Gigantes de Carolina-Canóvanas in a rematch of last season's first-round series.
What happened last year?
Last year, a Bayamón team led by Chris Duarte, Danilo Gallinari, and JaVale McGee swept Carolina-Canóvanas 4-0 in the first round, on their way to winning the franchise's 17th championship.
The Vaqueros de Bayamón have a renewed core of reinforcements that helped them finish with the best record in the league (22-12) and first place in the overall standings in 2026.
Who are the key players?
Dominican guard Jassel Pérez leads the trio of imports after averaging 21.4 points in nine games since his arrival in the final stretch of the campaign, along with center Damian Jones.
What does the coach say?
“I understand that Carolina is one of the best teams. In our conference, anyone can pass. It will be very interesting for the four teams,” said Vaqueros coach Christian Dalmau.
Pérez's availability for the start of the series was in doubt after he suffered a severe fall on Monday during a game between the Dominican Republic and Nicaragua in the third FIBA window.
What's next?
Dalmau also understands that protecting the home-court advantage at “El Rancho”, where they play 14-3 in the season, will be crucial in the series.
The first game of the Conference A semifinals is scheduled for 8:00 p.m. at the Coliseo Rubén Rodríguez, as part of the first day of the postseason after a week and a half break due to the national team's participation in the third FIBA qualifying window for the 2027 World Cup.