CHIHUAHUA, Mexico (Interstat) — Jaysean Paige scored 27 points to lead a potent Xalapa offense that defied pregame projections, as the visiting squad defeated Dorados 90-73 in a Mexican LNBP matchup Friday night at Gimnasio Manuel Bernardo Aguirre.

The game, a clash between two teams with identical 8-6 records entering the night, was expected to be a tightly contested defensive struggle. Interstat’s game simulator had projected a low-scoring 79-74 victory for the home side. Instead, Xalapa’s offensive efficiency proved to be the decisive factor, as they consistently built and extended their lead throughout the contest.

Xalapa set the tone early, erupting for 27 points in the opening quarter to take a 10-point lead. They maintained control through the second period, heading into halftime with a 46-36 advantage. Dorados could never mount a significant challenge after the break, as Xalapa methodically added to its lead in the third and fourth quarters, outscoring the home team 44-37 in the second half.

The statistical disparity told the story of the game. Xalapa’s offensive execution was superior, scoring 90 points from 71 possessions for an elite offensive rating of 126.5. In contrast, Dorados managed just 73 points from 73 possessions, an offensive rating of 100.6. Xalapa’s shooting was the key differentiator, as they connected on 13 of 28 attempts from three-point range, a 46.4% clip that stretched the Dorados defense. Dorados struggled from deep, making only 8 of 26 three-point attempts.

Paige, a small forward, was the game’s standout performer, pouring in his 27 points in just 26 minutes of action. He also contributed 6 rebounds and 4 assists. He was supported by a balanced scoring attack. Power forward Jy’lan Washington added 15 points and 4 rebounds in 28 minutes.

The Xalapa backcourt facilitated the efficient offense. Point guard Fernando Zurbriggen filled the stat sheet with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and a game-high 6 assists. Shooting guard Gabriel Giron, a native of Monterrey, Mexico, also dished out 6 assists to go along with his 12 points. Sek Henry provided a spark off the bench with 10 points in 14 minutes.

For Dorados, no player reached a dominant level of production. Small forward Steph Branch led the team with 11 points and 4 rebounds. Center Charles Mitchell, from Marietta, Georgia, was active on the glass, pulling down a game-high 9 rebounds to go with 8 points. Shooting guard Jose Estrada Stone, from Culiacan, Mexico, also scored 11 points. Akia Pruitt handed out a team-best 5 assists.

Both teams finished with identical numbers in several categories, including assists (5), steals (5), and turnovers (8). Xalapa held a slight rebounding edge, 33-30. Dorados recorded 4 blocks to Xalapa’s 1.

With the victory, both teams now hold identical 9-6 records in the LNBP standings. The two squads are scheduled for an immediate rematch at the same venue on Saturday night, offering Dorados a quick chance for redemption.

Xalapa will look to build on this win when they return home to host Soles for a two-game series next Friday and Saturday. Dorados, meanwhile, will hit the road for a two-game set against San Luis Potosi on those same dates.

The result was a reversal of recent form for both clubs. Xalapa had lost a close 88-86 contest to Leon in its previous outing, while Dorados was riding a two-game winning streak after sweeping Irapuato on the road. Xalapa’s potent offensive display on Friday, however, proved too much for the home team to overcome.