The much-awaited return of professional basketball to Guadalajara contained all the mandatory ingredients: former NBA stars, animated cheerleaders, a lively crowd and thumping music.

The only component lacking: a victory for the brand-new Osos de Jalisco (Jalisco Bears).

A 76-110 defeat at the hands of league champions Halcones de Xalapa (Xalapa Falcons) dampened the pre-game optimism of the 2,000 pumped-up fans who filled the city’s Code Dome for the Osos’ home opener last week.

The Osos’ lack of depth was evident in both games, with U.S. imports Keith Gaydon and Larry Smith contributing 48 out of the 76 points in the first game and 60 percent of the total in the second encounter.  The Osos started both games brightly but faded badly in the second half.

“Xalapa had the privilege of having a very strong bench,” Osos coach Jano Ramirez remarked after the first game, alluding to the inexperience of many on his team’s roster, the youngest in the league.

Ramirez was happier with the Osos’ performance in the rematch. “We didn’t fold as easily.  Veracruz are the champions and can kill you with a couple of plays.”

Earlier in the week, the Bears took on the Estado de Mexico Gigantes (State of Mexico Giants) in their season opener in Toluca. The 102-90 victory suggests Guadalajara’s new franchise will compete with most of the league’s teams but struggle against the top four or five.

A better indication of where the team stands may come after this week’s two road games: on Thursday, September 13 against the Guanajuato Bees and on Saturday, September 15 against the Leon Lettucemen.

The Osos next home games in Guadalajara’s Code Dome (Av. Alcalde 1360) are on Thursday, September 20 against the Tampico Hurricanes and Saturday, September 22 against the Ciudad Victoria Roadrunners. Both games start at 8:30 p.m. Tickets cost 50 or 100 pesos.