CANCUN, Mexico (Interstat) — The Gambusinos used a dominant first-quarter performance to snap a lengthy losing skid, defeating Cancun El Calor 81-68 in a Liga Nacional de Baloncesto Profesional matchup on Friday night.

Gambusinos, the home team, exploded for 32 points in the opening period, building a commanding 19-point lead that proved insurmountable for the visiting El Calor. The win improved Gambusinos’ season record to 3-12, while Cancun fell to 6-8.

Lucas Doria led the charge for Gambusinos, posting a double-double with 17 points and 12 rebounds in 33 minutes of action. His effort on the glass was pivotal in a game where both teams finished with 35 total rebounds.

Gambusinos’ offensive efficiency was the story of the game. They scored 81 points on just 77 possessions, translating to an offensive rating of 105.2, far superior to Cancun’s mark of 87.5. The home team’s hot start was fueled by sharp shooting; they finished the game 28 of 59 from the floor and 9 of 21 from beyond the arc. They also capitalized at the free-throw line, making 16 of 21 attempts.

Byron Allen, the center from Leland, Mississippi, orchestrated the offense with a game-high 9 assists to go along with his 17 points. Michael Bryson of Sacramento, California, provided a strong all-around performance with 14 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists and 3 blocks. Josh Cunningham added 12 points and 6 rebounds for Gambusinos, while Jabari Narcis contributed 10 points off the bench.

Cancun El Calor struggled to find any offensive consistency, particularly from long distance. The team shot a frigid 8 for 43 from three-point range and 26 for 73 overall from the field. Lance Jones was a bright spot, leading all Cancun scorers with 17 points. Nate Grimes provided energy off the bench, recording 10 points and 7 rebounds in just 17 minutes.

Despite the lopsided score, the game was statistically even in several categories. Both teams recorded 9 assists, 9 steals, and a nearly identical number of turnovers. Cancun’s 13 offensive rebounds gave them extra opportunities, but they were unable to convert them into enough points to close the gap.

The victory was a significant one for Gambusinos, who entered the game on a six-game losing streak. For Cancun El Calor, the loss continues a pattern of inconsistent play following a decisive 90-60 win over San Luis Potosi in their previous outing.

The two teams are scheduled for a quick rematch, with Cancun El Calor returning to face Gambusinos again on Saturday. According to Interstat’s ELO system, Cancun El Calor had been projected as the favorite with a 56.30 percent probability to win Friday’s contest.